César Montes Strikes Twice as Mexico Advances
Match Recap: Mexico 2–0 Suriname
📅 June 18, 2025 – AT&T Stadium, Arlington, TX
Mexico continued their strong start at the 2025 CONCACAF Gold Cup with a solid 2–0 victory over Suriname, securing qualification to the quarterfinals. Suriname, on the other hand, are officially eliminated after back-to-back defeats.
First Half: Tight and Tactical
Mexico started the match with control of possession and tempo, but struggled to break down Suriname’s low defensive block.
Despite dominating territory (around 61% possession), Mexico’s attack lacked final-third sharpness in the opening 45 minutes.
Suriname showed discipline in defense but failed to register a meaningful threat going forward.
Score at halftime: 0–0
Second Half: Montes Makes the Difference
57’ – Goal (1–0): César Montes opened the scoring with a towering header off a corner kick. His timing and leap beat Suriname’s defenders, giving Mexico the lead they deserved.
63’ – Goal (2–0): Just minutes later, Montes struck again — this time cleaning up a loose ball in the box after another set-piece.
The goals marked Montes’ second and third of the tournament — an impressive feat for a center-back.
After the second goal, Mexico settled into cruise control, maintaining possession and seeing out the match with confidence.
Key Performers
César Montes (Mexico)
2 goals in 6 minutes
Now tied for the tournament’s top scorer
Solid defensively and dominant in the air
Luis Malagón (Mexico GK)
Registered a clean sheet
Made a comfortable save or two but was largely untested
Suriname Defense
Disciplined in the first half
Crumbled under aerial pressure during Mexico’s second-half set pieces
What’s Next
Mexico vs Costa Rica – June 22 in Las Vegas
A battle to decide who tops the group
A draw is enough for Mexico to finish first due to superior goal difference
Suriname vs Dominican Republic – also June 22
A pride match for both already-eliminated teams