Luis Montes scored a 30-yard screamer to help Mexico advance to the knockout stages of the Gold Cup with a 3-1 win over Martinique on Sunday.
Mexico, the two-time defending tournament champions, started well and the first 40 minutes was their best stretch of play in the tournament.
Marco Fabián opened the scoring in the 21st minute when he half-volleyed a rebound off the ground, over the goalkeeper and under the bar.
Montes put El Tri two goals ahead in the 34th minute with one of the best goals of the tournament.
Stepping into a small amount of space, the midfielder unleashed a gorgeous, left-footed strike from 30 yards that nailed the back of the net, leaving Martinique goalkeeper Kevin Olimpa with no chance for a save.
Despite being 27 years old, it was the first for Montes as a member of the national team.
Kévin Parsemain pulled Martinique back into the game with a penalty just before the break, but Miguel Ponce scored for Mexico in the 90th minute to secure the win.
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| Mexico player Luis Montes celebrates his goal against Martinique with teammate Adrián Aldrete Photo: Getty Images |
Mexico, the two-time defending tournament champions, started well and the first 40 minutes was their best stretch of play in the tournament.
Marco Fabián opened the scoring in the 21st minute when he half-volleyed a rebound off the ground, over the goalkeeper and under the bar.
Montes put El Tri two goals ahead in the 34th minute with one of the best goals of the tournament.
Stepping into a small amount of space, the midfielder unleashed a gorgeous, left-footed strike from 30 yards that nailed the back of the net, leaving Martinique goalkeeper Kevin Olimpa with no chance for a save.
Despite being 27 years old, it was the first for Montes as a member of the national team.
Kévin Parsemain pulled Martinique back into the game with a penalty just before the break, but Miguel Ponce scored for Mexico in the 90th minute to secure the win.
