The Mexican National Team debuted with a hard-fought 3-2 victory over the Dominican Republic in the opening match of Group A of the 2025 Gold Cup. The match took place at SoFi Stadium in Inglewood, California, in front of an astonishing attendance of more than 54,000 people, reflecting the massive support of the Hispanic community in the United States.
Although Mexico dominated possession for much of the match, the Caribbean side took advantage of “El Tri’s” defensive lapses to keep the score close until the last minute.
Saving the debut
Edson Álvarez played a key role in the scoring.
The West Ham midfielder opened the scoring in the 44th minute with an accurate header from a corner kick taken by Orbelín Pineda.
Machín” celebrated euphorically with the Mexican fans.
Just at the start of the second half, in the 47th minute, Raúl Jiménez took advantage of a filtered pass from Santiago Giménez and coolly slotted the ball between the legs of goalkeeper Xavier Valdez to make it 2-0.
However, the Dominican Republic responded with character to the Mexican National Team.
Peter González scored in the 51st minute after a throw-in that surprised the Mexican defense.
El Tri responded quickly with a goal by César Montes at 53′, after another corner kick that he headed into the goal.
The match became tense again when Edison Azcona pulled one back in the 67th minute with a shot that deflected off a Mexican defender, leaving Luis Malagón with no reaction.
Analysis of Vasco Aguirre
At the end of the match between the Mexican National Team and the Dominican Republic, head coach Javier “Vasco” Aguirre acknowledged that the team showed worrisome defensive flaws:
We had some good stretches, but we can't allow those goals
“We must close the spaces better and take better care of the mark on set pieces.”
The coach highlighted the team’s determination not to give up after the Dominican goals, but also stressed that against stronger opponents, those mistakes can be costly.
Highlights of the match
Edson Álvarez: leadership in midfield and presence in both areas.
Raúl Jiménez: returns to scoring in an official tournament with El Tri.
Xavier Valdez: the Dominican goalkeeper avoided a goal on several occasions.
What’s next for the 2025 Gold Cup?
The Mexican National Team will face Suriname on June 18, while the Dominican Republic will look to bounce back against Costa Rica on the same day.
Both matches will define much of the future in Group A.
If El Tri wants to challenge for the title, they will need to improve their defensive solidity and effectiveness in front of goal.
The victory, although important, leaves lessons that should not be ignored in a highly competitive tournament like the Gold Cup.
For more information, visit QuéOnnda.com.
