Costa Rica vs Dominican Republic Game Today

The highly anticipated clash between Costa Rica and the Dominican Republic took place today, June 19, 2025, as part of Group A in the CONCACAF Gold Cup. The AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas, witnessed a pulse‑racing, tactical showdown, ultimately won by Costa Rica with a dramatic 2–1 comeback. Here’s a detailed look at how the match unfolded.

Heading into the Match

Pre‑Match Context

• Both teams had won their previous matches in the group:

  • Costa Rica edged Suriname 4–3.

  • Dominican Republic had not yet scored in the tournament and was eager to surprise.

• With six points up for grabs between Costa Rica and Mexico, this match was pivotal to shaping Group A standings. 

Team Lineups & Key Players

Match Timeline & Key Moments

First Half Drama

• 16′ – Dominican Surprise: A defensive miscue by Keylor Navas enabled Joao Urbáez to score, giving the Dominican Republic a shocking 1–0 lead. 

• 44′ – Ugalde Levels: Right before halftime, Costa Rica earned a penalty, and Manfred Ugalde coolly converted to tie the score 1–1. 

Second Half Surge

• 85′ – Ugalde’s Assist, Alcócer’s Finish: Ugalde delivered a pinpoint pass to substitute Josimar Alcócer, who scored the decisive 2‑1 goal.

• Costa Rica's defense and Keylor Navas held firm in the final minutes to preserve the lead.

Players to Watch & Tactical Breakdown

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• Manfred Ugalde: Scored from the penalty spot and provided the assist for the winner — proving to be Costa Rica’s clutch performer.

• Keylor Navas: Despite an early mistake, he produced vital saves and stabilized the back line.

• Josimar Alcócer: Came off the bench to deliver a composed and clinical finish.

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• Joao Urbáez: Seized an early chance to turn the tide, showing opportunistic instincts.

• Jean Carlos López: The team’s midfield anchor and veteran leader. 

Key Takeaways

• Comeback Victory: Costa Rica overcame a deficit to secure a 2–1 victory, marking their second consecutive win.

• Momentum Shift: Ugalde’s penalty equalizer and clutch assist turned the game on its head.

• Mental Resilience: Despite conceding early, Costa Rica stayed composed and controlled the second half.

• High Stakes: Both Costa Rica and Mexico now top Group A with 6 points each, with their upcoming face‑off deciding the group winner. 

Why It Matters

• Group Dynamics: Sunday’s match between Costa Rica and Mexico will determine the group’s top seed and Cup bracket.

• Player Confidence: Ugalde’s heroics add valuable momentum and confidence to the squad’s frontline.

• Dominican Signs of Life: Despite losing, Dominican Republic showed resilience and seized their moment early, hinting at their potential in future fixtures.

What’s Next?

• Sunday, June 22: Costa Rica meets Mexico to decide Group A leader, while Dominican Republic faces Suriname in a must-win to avoid elimination.

• Rotating Formations: Both teams may adjust lineups based on current performance and strategic needs in approaching knockout stages.

Match Summary

Conclusion

Costa Rica’s 2–1 victory over the Dominican Republic reinforced their status as a top contender in Group A of the 2025 Gold Cup. The side showcased character—equalizing before halftime and mounting a resilient attack late in the second half to clinch the win. Manfred Ugalde emerged as the match‑winner, while Keylor Navas rebounded from an early slip to provide pivotal saves. For the Dominican Republic, it was a bittersweet outing: their opener revealed promise, yet they couldn’t maintain it against Costa Rica’s attacking pressure.