Mexico 0–0 Costa Rica Player Ratings: Mora Rated 8/10 as Mexico Topped Group A with 7 Points After Crucial Draw-Saving Tackle

The final group stage fixture in Group A saw Mexico and Costa Rica locking horns against each other in a bid to top the group. The match's result would hardly had any effect on the qualification scenario as both team won their first two games to secure a spot in the CONCACAF Gold Cup quarter finals. Suriname and the Dominican Republic played a draw in their final game to confirm a qualification berth for both the teams.

This game was also important as the runners-up of this group would directly have to face the home team, USA, in the quarter finals, and they had been the best team in the competition so far. The table toppers, on the other hand, would face Saudi Arabia in the knockout rounds.

A draw was enough for Mexico to top the group, whereas Costa Rica needed all three points to leapfrog Mexico.

The game began with both teams asserting their dominance from the first minute. Despite a lack of goals in the match, the game was a thrilling spectacle for viewers. Keylor Navas constantly neutralised Mexican attacks. The momentum was mostly in favour of Mexico, whereas Costa Rica dominated some quarters.

Despite a spirited performance from Costa Rica, it seemed the game ended on a winning note for Mexico as Gimenez scored a late winner to seal the match for Mexico in the 94th minute. But VAR ruled the goal to keep the score levelled. The match ended 0-0 as both teams settled for a draw.

Mexico National Football Team Player Ratings vs Costa Rica Football Team

Goalkeeper

Luis Malagon - 7/10

The Mexican custodian had an easy shift in the first 45 minutes. He hardly had to make any saves, and his goal kicks were also quite decent tonight.

Defenders

Jorge Sanchez - 6.5/10

The right back also had a decent game tonight. His runs from the right flanks were crucial for Mexico to constantly put pressure on the Costa Rican defence.

Cesar Montes - 7.5/10

Cesar was the best Mexican player in the heart of their defence. From making 3 interceptions to 1 recovery, he did well to keep the Costa Rican strikers at bay.

Johan Vasquez - 7/10

The Mexican centre back plays in the Italian top flight for Genoa CFC. He had 7 defensive actions in the first half and had a brilliant game tonight.

Mateo Chavez - 6/10

The Mexican wing back looked totally off colour both in defence as well as in the flanks tonight.

Midfielders

Edson Alvarez - 7.5/10

Edson was not just a beast in the midfield tonight but was also effectively aiding the defensive unit with his timely blocks and interceptions.

Luis Chavez - 7/10

Luis did a good job in the midfield to help Mexico control the spaces while also pressing high from the centre of the park to make the most of their men's advantage in midfield.

Roberto Alvarado - 6/10

Not a very impressive performance in the midfield tonight from Alvardo as he looked feeble in front of the Costa Rican midfield.

Marcel Ruiz - 6.5/10

The young Mexican international should have actively contributed more to the attack with his creative footwork.

Alexis Vega - 7.5/10

Vega also had a decent game in the midfield. His performance was brilliant in the second half.

Forwards

Raul Jimenez - 6.5/10

The Fulham striker was expected to make a difference tonight, but it seemed Costa Rica did their homework correctly to plan and execute their strategies brilliantly to keep Jiminez quiet.

Substitutes -

SUB - Santiago Gimenez - 7.5/10

Gimenez delivered when it mattered the most. His stoppage time winner saw Mexico win their final game to top Group A and maintain a 100% winning record in the competition. However, all hopes were dashed after VAR ruled out the goal.

SUB - Carlos Rodriguez - 6/10

SUB - Cesar Huerta - 7/10

Huerta arrived late in the game, but looked eager to find the winner. His arrival was crucial to rejuvenate the Mexican attack in the last few minutes.

SUB - Jesus Gallardo - 6.5/10

SUB - Quinones - NA

Manager

Javier Aguirre - 7/10

This was Aguirre's 12th game in charge as the Mexican gaffer. Previously, he won 8 games and even today, his team did a fantastic job in the first half to keep pushing harder for the winner.

Costa Rica National Football Team Player Ratings vs Mexico Football Team

Goalkeeper

Keylor Navas - 7/10

Time and again, defying age, Keylor Navas has stood tall as the impregnable wall of Costa Rica. He made 3 saves in the first half to keep his clean sheet intact.

Defenders

Carlos Mora - 6.5/10

Carlos had a decent game. He should have made a couple of runs from the right flank to get an extra mile in making the most of having five defenders on the pitch for Costa Rica and also make full use of the spaces.

Jeyland Mitchell - 7/10

Chris Richards had a total of 4 defensive actions in the first 45 minutes, which included a block and 3 clearances as well. He also scored the first goal of the match.

Juan Vargas - 7.5/10

Juan did a brilliant job working effectively in a 5-3-2 formation and making the most of an extra centre back advantage in the defence.

Franscisco Calvo - 7/10

The Costa Rican centre back did a good job of keeping the Mexican strikers at bay tonight.

Joseph Mora - 8/10

The Costa Rican left-back had a commendable game tonight. He looked agile, and his accelerated runs were a menace to opposition full-backs.

Midfielders

Brandon Aguilera - 6.5/10

Aguilera had a decent game tonight. He made 16 touches in the first half and was making full use of the spaces.

Orlando Galo - 7.5/10

Galo did a brilliant job in the midfield to offer defensive stability in the midfield and also control the tempo of the game.

Josimar Alcocer - 6/10

Apart from winning those aerial duels, Alcacer looked off colour tonight in the game.

Forwards

Alonso Martinez - 6/10

Alonso plays for New York City in the MLS. Despite playing in familiar territory, the sharpness in his attack was missing tonight as he looked clueless in the opposition half.

Manfred Ugalde - 6/10

Ugalde was a disaster in the first half tonight. He failed to make any real attack and completely wasted the opportunities made from the flanks.

Substitutes -

SUB - Kenney Myrie - 6/10

The 18-year-old right back was brought in early. But he failed to make much of this opportunity as there were hardly any accelerated runs from the right flank post his inception on the pitch.

SUB - Andy Rojas - 6.5/10

The 19-year-old left winger who plays for the New York Red Bulls couldn't make much of an impact. But he played decently to intercept Costa Rican attacks.

SUB - Fernan Faerron - NA

SUB - Kenneth Vargas - NA

Manager

Miguel Herrera - 7/10

The newly appointed Costa Rican has had a brilliant track record of turning average teams into the best. His 5-3-2 formation worked well for Costa Rica as they made it to the quarterfinals.

Sportsdunia Player of the match goes to Joseph Mora.