Godoy own goal sends Costa Rica into CONCACAF Gold Cup semis

Washington (AFP) – Anibal Godoy headed agonizingly into his own net to give Costa Rica a 1-0 victory over Panama on Wednesday in the quarter-finals of the CONCACAF Gold Cup in Philadelphia.

The Central American rivals were deadlocked in the second half when Costa Rica’s David Guzman swung a long free kick toward the Panamanian goal.

Panama’s Godoy leapt to try to head the ball away but instead it spun back into the Panamanian net in the 77th minute.

Costa Rica next face either five-time champions the United States or El Salvador, who faced off in the second game of the day’s double-header at Lincoln Financial Field.

Having squeezed into the knockout rounds on goal difference, the United States took advantage of tournament rules that allow teams to make up to six squad changes after the group stage.

US coach Bruce Arena has brought in four players with more than 100 caps each — Jozy Altidore, Clint Dempsey, Michael Bradley and Tim Howard.

The additions give the US squad a more familiar look than the experimental lineups that featured in the group stage.

The other two quarter-finals will be played on Thursday in Glendale, Arizona, where defending champions Mexico take on Honduras and Jamaica face Canada.