Mexico beats Martinique, ensures Gold Cup progression alongside Canada

Mexico defeated Martinique 3-2 on Sunday night in Charlotte, N.C., to complete Gold Cup Group A play and secure El Tri's spot in the last eight.

Tata Martino's charges also did fellow quartet members Canada a favor; the upstart Canucks are now guaranteed a quarterfinals spot after crushing Cuba earlier Sunday, a result that all but ensured John Herdman's side a second-place finish in the group barring a miracle victory from Martinique.

Uriel Antuna continued his strong Gold Cup campaign, registering a wonderful goal in the 29th minute to give Mexico a 1-0 lead. Martinique didn't go away quietly, though, challenging El Tri until the final whistle.

Kevin Parsemain notched an incredible equalizer on a free kick in the 56th minute to give the underdogs life at Bank of America Stadium, but Raul Jimenez secured the eventual three points for the Mexicans after finishing a well-worked passing play in the 61st minute. Fernando Navarro made it 3-1 with a smart finish to end any doubt regarding the result before Jordy Delem notched a consolation marker in the 84th minute.

With the win, Mexico tops the group on nine points. El Tri will now face the second-place team from Group B - either Costa Rica or Haiti - while Canada will clash with the winner of that four-pack.