Mexico defeat Dominican Republic in five-goal Gold Cup opener

Yahoo

15-06-2025

Mexico beat Panama 3-2 on Saturday night during a goal-filled opening match of the 2025 CONCACAF Gold Cup.
Scorers: Álvarez 44', Jimenez 47', Montes 53'; González 51', Azcona 67'
Advertisement
The Dominican Republic settled into a low-block for much of the first-half, ceding 72% possession to the Mexicans. However, the current holders struggled to find the net.
In the final minutes of the half, Edson Álvarez broke the deadlock, scoring a commanding header from a corner to give Mexico the lead.
Things changed entering the second 45 minutes. Raul Jimenez scored less than 90 seconds into the second-half, assisted by a one-touch pass from Santiago Giménez.
The Dominican Republic then scored their first-ever Gold Cup goal as Peter González nutmegged his defender and slotted the ball into the bottom-left corner.
Mexico scored just two minutes later to turn things 3-1 with another goal from a corner. This time, Álvarez's header deflected off of César Montes' head and in.
Advertisement
The Dominicans got one back as Edison Azcona scored his first international goal, cutting in onto his right foot and finishing with a deflection off of a Mexico defender.
While Mexico went top of Group A at full-time, the nine-time Gold Cup champions were certainly tested by the tournament debutants.
📸 Michael Owens - 2025 Getty Images