Mexico top Group A despite playing goalless draw against Costa Rica in Gold Cup

Mexico topped Group A of the CONCACAF Gold Cup despite playing a 0-0 draw against Costa Rica on Sunday, extending their unbeaten streak against the Ticos to 10 matches in the competition.

Both teams ended the group stage with seven points, but Mexico edged the top spot on goal difference after earlier wins over the Dominican Republic and Suriname.

A dramatic stoppage-time bicycle kick goal by Santiago Gimenez was ruled out following a VAR review, with the striker deemed offside in the buildup.


Guatemalan referee Mario Escobar disallowed the goal after reviewing Luis Chavez's free kick, which was headed by Orlando Galo into Gimenez’s path.


With the group standings settled, Mexico will now face Saudi Arabia in the quarterfinals, while Costa Rica prepare to meet the United States - though they will be without four key players.

Manfred Ugalde and Carlos Mora are suspended due to yellow card accumulation, while Ariel Lassiter (fractured hand) and Warren Madrigal (broken leg) are out injured.

Ugalde, who has scored three goals in the tournament, received his second yellow card in the 83rd minute after charging into Carlos Rodríguez and making contact with his elbow, triggering an automatic one-match suspension.