In the CONCACAF Gold Cup match held on 09 July 2023, Mexico dominated Costa Rica with a 2-0 scoreline. The match, characterized by strategic playing and a tactical superiority of the Mexicans, crumbled under the statistical weight.

A key factor to Mexico's win was their successful conversion of opportunities to goals. Despite having fewer corner kicks than Costa Rica (4 as compared to Costa Rica's 7), they managed to score twice in the second half (53rd and 88th minute), underlining their efficiency in front of the net. This indicates Mexico's proficiency in set-piece plays and their ability to capitalize on chances, even when they are outnumbered.

In contrast, Costa Rica, despite having more of the corner kicks, failed to convert these opportunities into goals, which played a significant role in their defeat. Their lack of precision with their set-piece plays was a crucial differential that worked against them.

Furthermore, fouling had a significant impact on the overall rhythm of the game and the eventual outcome. Costa Rica committed more fouls with 2 yellow cards, signalling potential defensive vulnerabilities and contributing to a more fragmented, less fluid play from their end. Mexico, on the other hand, with just one yellow card, displayed better discipline, which allowed them to maintain smooth gameplay and an upper hand in terms of controlling the game's pace and flow.

The level of discipline and effective utilization of opportunities by the Mexicans was clearly superior and this tilted the scales in their favor.

Both teams were caught offside only once, indicating that both team's defensive lines were effective in implementing the offside trap.

Overall, it was Mexico's strategy of effectiveness over number of chances, combined with better discipline, that dictated the game's result. Despite winning fewer corners and being equally matched in terms of offsides, Mexico proved that what truly counts is what you do with your opportunities. Costa Rica, on the other hand, would need to work on their precision and discipline in crucial game situations to improve their future performances.

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