Mexico hang on as they conjure up the points against Dominican Republic at the SoFi Stadium.
Mexico hang on as they conjure up the points against Dominican Republic at the SoFi Stadium.
Mexico 3, Dominican Republic 2
We will have the starting XIs soon from both the teams ahead of the opening match at the Concacaf Gold Cup 2025.
Mexico, in black, will get things going against Dominican Republic in the Concacaf Gold Cup 2025.
Set piece opportunity for El Tri. AC Milan forward Gimenez is fouled outside the box and the ref immediately blows the whistle.
There's no sign of star defender Junior Firpo, the current Leeds United left-back, who is attracting interest from other clubs too. Firpo is a Dominican Republic internationl.
Both sides weak at the back but El Tri's attack is much stronger than their opposition. Fulham forward Raul Jimenez is involved in much of Mexico's attack as they look to break the shackles here at the SoFi Stadium.
Mexico win a free-kick as Dominican Republic's Edarlyn Reyes fouls a player. Jorge Sánchez lines up a free-kick but the shot is too long and despute Jimenez's protests, it's been called as a goal kick.
Dominican Republic shot stopper Xavier Valdez has just produced a world class save to keep the score at 0-0. Jimenez produces a shot but the Dominican goalie is equal to it and saves it with his left-hand.
Commentator on-air talks about Dominican Republic missing their two key players - Junior Firpo and former Real Madrid forward Mariano Diaz.
Jesús Gallardo shoots it wide but is adjudged offside. Raul Jimenez plays a neat backheel to his fellow teammate but Gallardo is standing in an offside position.
What a break on the counter from Dominican Republic as Edarlyn Reyes goes on a solo run but fails to see that his teammates have joined in attack. Reyes goes alone and shoots it wide off the net.
Joao Urbaez has a pop at the Mexican goal in a rare attempt but the El Tri keeper saves and the attack goes begging. Dominican Republic growing in confidence as the half comes to an end. Soon after, a neat intricate play results in Mexico's Jesús Gallardo making a last-ditch block to keep score all square.
Heading towards half-time and cannot deny that this game has been entertaining to say the least.
West Ham United's Edson Álvarez (Mexico) is not marked and his bullet header from a corner gives El Tri a deserved lead.
Half-time at the break and Edson Alvarez's header has given Mexico the lead going into the second-half.
Dominican Republic make a change - Carlos Rodríguez replaces Israel Reyes.
Fulham striker Raul Jimenez makes it 2-0! And it's surely three points in the bag for El Tri. Jimenez is one-on-one goal and puts it past the Dominican keeper, to double his side's lead.
Peter Federico scores a controversial goal! Dominican Republic have ball in possession as Federico looks to make a run as another ball is hurled on to the field. Federico continues with his run and scores despite El Tri players appealing for otherwise.
César Montes has made it 3-1 and Mexico have gained their two-goal lead. Edson Álvarez provides the assist.
Dominican Republic make a couple of changes -
Luiyi de Lucas replaces Noah Dollenmayer
Edison Azcona replaces Edarlyn Reyes
Dominican Republic don't wish to give up as Edison Azcona adds game's fifth goal. Azcona twists and turns in the Mexico box and the ball finds the back of the net via a deflection. Game on!
AC Milan forward Santiago Giménez is subbed off to a rapturous applause from the Mexican fans as Julián Quiñones makes way.
Ten minutes in the game and we can have anything in this match. Expect drama!
Jesús Orozco replaces César Montes as well as César Huerta comes on for Raúl Jiménez
Alexis Vega has a pop right from the edge of the box but DOM keeper saves it well.
Six minutes added on as Mexico look to hang on to their 3-2 lead against Dominican Republic.