Barrera on target in Mexico win

Pablo Barrera was on target as Mexico defeated Costa Rica 4-1 to reach the quarter-finals of the CONCACAF Gold Cup.

The West Ham United winner scored El Tri's fourth and final goal just 38 minutes into their third and final Group A fixture in the American city of Chicago, swapping passes with Fulham full-back Carlos Salcido before rolling the ball into the net.

Barrera added to two goals from RC Deportivo La Coruna winger Andres Guardado and one from former FC Barcelona defender Rafael Marquez - heading home a Barrera corner - as Mexico continued their perfect start to the North and Central American championship finals.

Mexico have scored 14 goals in their three group-stage fixtures and look to be in with a superb chance of retaining the title they won in 2009.

El Tri will face the third-place team in either Group B or Group C in the quarter-finals on Saturday, with the fixture taking place in East Rutherford, New Jersey.

Jonathan Spector's United States will also progress to the last-eight if they avoid defeat against Guadeloupe in Kansas City, Missouri, on Tuesday.

Elsewhere, Marek Stech and James Tomkins were both handed a watching brief as their nations began their challenge for the UEFA European Under-21 Championship title in Denmark.

Stech was an unused substitute as Czech Republic beat Ukraine 2-1, while Tomkins also sat on the bench as England snatched a late 1-1 draw with Spain.

The Hammers pair could meet when the Czechs take on England in Group B in Viborg on Sunday. Before then, however, the Czechs face Spain and England take on Ukraine on Wednesday.