Mexico secured a spot in the Gold Cup semifinals after beating Costa Rica 2-0 on Saturday night at AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas.
Orbelin Pineda scored the opening goal in the 52nd minute from a penalty kick that was awarded by the referee after Henry Martin was fouled by Kendall Waston. Pineda sent his shot to the left of goalkeeper Kevin Chamorro, who dived the other way.
Costa Rica tried to respond with some counter-attacks, but Mexico’s defense and goalkeeper Guillermo Ochoa kept them at bay. Ochoa made some key saves, including a spectacular one in the 76th minute to deny Bryan Ruiz.
Mexico sealed the victory in the 87th minute when substitute Erick Sanchez headed in a cross from Roberto Alvarado, who had also come off the bench. It was Sanchez’s second international goal and his first in the Gold Cup.
Mexico will face either Guatemala or Jamaica in the semifinals on Wednesday in Las Vegas. The winner of that match will play in the final on July 16 in Inglewood, California.
