Costa Rica vs. Mexico: Score, Highlights and Grades

Mexico defeated Costa Rica, 2-0, in its latest World Cup qualifying match.

The Mexicans were able to control this match throughout, never really finding themselves in much danger of losing to Costa Rica.

After sustaining a scoreless tie for much of the first half, Mexico finally got itself on the scoreboard in the 43rd minute, thanks to a goal by Carlos Salcido which was helped partially by a corner kick.

Mexico's second goal came early in the second half from Jesus Zavala in the 52nd minute. Thanks to a nice setup by Jose Andrés Guardado, Zavala was able to find the back of the net.

Highlights

Here's a look at Salcido putting Mexico on the board with the first goal of the match. It was a little unconventional perhaps, but hey, whatever works.

Mexico put its second goal on the scoreboard thanks to a beautiful corner kick that set up Zavala. This goal was a bit more clean than the first.

Grades

Mexico

With a combination of Jesus Zavala and Carlos Salcido in the midfield, Mexico got all the offense they would need in this match.

Salcido scored the first goal of the match in the first half, and Zavala netted the second goal in the second half. Both were the ultimate result of corner kicks.

Defensively, Mexico was superb throughout this match. Costa Rica's opportunities to score were few and far between, and that's exactly what a soccer squad would like.

Goaltender Jose Corona didn't have to do much, but he sure looked ready to get the job done with no questions asked.

This was a great performance by Mexico in every facet of the match. They truly dominated their opponents from beginning to end, leaving no doubt they were the class of this matchup.

All-Around Grade: A+

Costa Rica

Costa Rica's offense was stagnant for the entire match. The few scoring chances they had were wasted with bad passing and even worse shooting accuracy.

Mexico's defense simply didn't allow Costa Rica to get its game off the ground from the minute this match started.

On defense, Costa Rica didn't play all that bad, but their defense of Mexico's corner kicks was downright dreadful. Costa Rica allowed Mexico to get far too comfortable close to the net. Even when Costa Rica was nearly successful in breaking up one attempt, Mexico still turned it into a goal.

Other than those two corner kick goals, Costa Rican goalie Keilor Navas Gamboa can't have much blamed on him.

Costa Rica had higher expectations coming into this match, but none of them were fulfilled. Instead, Mexico still remains the elite team in their respective qualifying group.

All-Around Grade: D