JON ARNOLD in Arlington, Texas – When both matches end with 5-0 scorelines, it’s tough to glean an exorbitant amount of things. Nevertheless, here are some quick thoughts and observations from Cowboys Stadium.

Costa Rica could pose a real threat to Mexico in Group A: As previously mentioned, it’s tough to take much from a 5-0 shelling, but it looks like Costa Rica could have the horses to give Mexico a game when the two meet in Chicago on June 12. Los Ticos could have had even more goals if they had pushed it and should be able to remedy the few defensive gaffes they made in the opener. Marco Ureña in particular was stellar, making run after run in his two-goal performance.

El Salvador could benefit greatly from a fit Arturo Alvarez: The best player in the losing effort for El Salvador was probably forward Rodolfo Zelaya, who plays his club soccer for El Salvador’s Alianza. He had a couple of chances to slot one past Guillermo Ochoa, but lacked the excellent service Chicharito was provided by his midfielders. Alvarez, whether he plays centrally or as a winger, could provide the attacking partner Zelaya was lacking Sunday night, and it seems as though he thinks he’ll be able to play in the team’s next game. I’ll have more on Mexico’s midfield play shortly.

Mexico has some flaws: OK, so it’s not many, but for 55 minutes or so Mexico looked very beatable. El Salvador was able to win possession, mount attacks and also benefited from some good keeper play from Miguel Montes. Obviously it was the first run out for Mexico, and they got it together pretty quickly. Mexico manager Jose Manuel de la Torre said after the game he was proud of the patience his team showed after a strong first half from El Salvador, knowing a goal would eventually come. It obviously did, but it’s entirely possible it won’t be that easy next time.

The Metroplex dazzled: I’m guessing Gold Cup organizers weren’t expecting the local NBA team to be hosting a NBA Finals game this evening, but it didn’t matter. It was still a sellout crowd with announced attendance at 81,108. While Mexico, of course, was the big draw, there were several thousand Salvadoran fans in the house who were very vocal in their support. Cowboys Stadium, as always, was immaculate and continues to be an amazing venue for sport. No matter how many times I see that massive videoboard, I still have to marvel at its size. Chuck Blazer got one thing dead on during his news conference Sunday, it was a great venue full of passionate fans and a nice way to kick off the Gold Cup.

by Jon Arnold