In a thrilling kickoff to the 2025 CONCACAF Gold Cup, Costa Rica edged past Suriname 4-3 in a match packed with drama and late-game heroics at Snapdragon Stadium in San Diego, California. The encounter, which took place on Sunday, June 15, saw both teams display tactical discipline and attacking flair, but it was Costa Rica who ultimately prevailed thanks to a penalty deep into added time, despite being down to 10 men.
The match began under the sweltering Southern California sun, with Costa Rica, ranked 54th in the FIFA world rankings, entering the tournament with renewed vigor under the guidance of head coach Miguel Herrera. Costa Rica’s roster featured a blend of experienced stars and emerging talent, highlighted by veteran goalkeeper Keylor Navas, who came out of retirement to anchor the defense, and rising forward Warren Madrigal, who had impressed recently with three goals in two appearances.
Suriname, ranked 137th and making only its second Gold Cup appearance, arrived unbeaten in its last four competitive matches. Coached by Stanley Menzo, Suriname fielded a disciplined and organized side, relying on European-based defenders Shaquille Pinas and Myenty Abena to fortify the backline. Offensively, Gleofilo Vlijter and midfielder Justin Lonwijk were the key figures tasked with challenging Costa Rica’s defense.
Both teams lined up in a 5-3-2 formation, allowing wing-backs to push forward and create width. Early on, Costa Rica’s Alonso Martinez made an immediate impact, scoring in the 15th minute after a slick pass from Brandon Aguilera. Just three minutes later, Costa Rica doubled their lead when Joseph Mora was fouled in the box, and Manfred Ugalde calmly converted the penalty, sending Suriname’s goalkeeper the wrong way.
Despite the early deficit, Suriname responded with resilience. Richonell Margaret pulled one back on the half-hour mark, cleverly setting up teammate Gyrano Kerk who deftly headed the ball over Navas to level the score at 2-2 just before the hour. Moments later, Suriname took the lead 3-2 after a handball penalty was awarded against Costa Rica’s Orlando Galo, with Margaret securing his second goal of the night.
Costa Rica, though under pressure, showed their mettle. Substitute Josimar Alcocer hammered home a shot through a crowd of players in the 75th minute to restore parity at 3-3. The match then intensified, with both teams pushing for the winner in a back-and-forth contest that kept fans on the edge of their seats.
The drama escalated in stoppage time when Costa Rica was reduced to 10 men after Warren Madrigal was carried off injured. Still, the Ticos pressed forward relentlessly. Keylor Navas, at 39 years old, pulled off crucial saves to keep his team in the game. Finally, deep into more than 10 minutes of added time, Costa Rica won a penalty. Manfred Ugalde stepped up once again and coolly converted, sealing a 4-3 victory for Costa Rica.
This hard-fought win marks an important step for Costa Rica as they rebuild after the retirement of a golden generation and look ahead to World Cup qualifying. Their ability to fight back under pressure and secure a late victory speaks volumes about the team’s character and potential under Miguel Herrera’s leadership.
Suriname, despite the loss, can take pride in their spirited performance. Their disciplined defense and opportunistic attack challenged Costa Rica throughout the match, and their unbeaten run leading up to the Gold Cup continues to impress. Next up, Suriname will face defending champions Mexico in Arlington, Texas, while Costa Rica prepares to meet the Dominican Republic.
The match was broadcast live on FOX Sports 1 and streamed on platforms including Fubo, DirecTV Stream, Sling Blue, and ViX, allowing fans across the United States to catch all the action from the Snapdragon Stadium.
With this thrilling opener in the books, Group A of the 2025 CONCACAF Gold Cup is already shaping up to be one of the most exciting and competitive groups in the tournament, featuring a mix of established powers and emerging teams eager to make their mark on the regional stage.
As Costa Rica and Suriname look ahead to their upcoming fixtures, both teams will be analyzing this intense encounter to refine their strategies and build momentum. For Costa Rica, the victory is a promising sign of progress under Miguel Herrera, while Suriname’s spirited display signals their growing presence in international football.
Fans can expect more high-stakes action as the Gold Cup continues, with these teams ready to battle for supremacy and a coveted spot in the knockout rounds.
