Mexico hangs on for nervy win against Curacao, tops Group C

AP Photo/Eric Gay

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Mexico hung on for a nervy 2-0 victory against already-eliminated Curacao to win Group C in its Gold Cup round-robin finale on Sunday in San Antonio, Texas.

Coming off a lackluster 0-0 draw with Jamaica in its second group match, Mexico were in need of a good showing and three points in order to top Group C.

And after a slow start in the first 20 minutes -- that included two quality chances for Curacao -- Mexico finally scored a goal with Angel Sepulveda's perfect header at the far post from a Raul Lopez cross.

Sepulveda had a chance at his second just before the half-hour mark, settling a poor Curacao clearance and lashing a line-drive volley that Eloy Room did well to save.

Curacao opened the second half on the front foot, with Aston Villa's Leandro Bacuna going close with a headed shot in the 53nd minute.

Jesus Corona then faced a flurry of activity in the 55th minute, denying Bacuna from close range before just tipping a volley from the rebound over the bar.

Mexico substitute Elias Hernandez had two chances to double his team's lead, but a right-footed shot in the 81st minute and a close-range header shortly after were both turned away by Room, who was stellar in the Curacao goal.

Edson Alvarez sealed the win for Mexico in second-half stoppage time, collecting a loose ball in the Curacao area and calmly slotting home past Room to secure the points and top spot in the group.