THE ASSOCIATED PRESS
EAST RUTHERFORD, N.J. — Defending champion Mexico and Honduras will meet in the semifinals of the Gold Cup after claiming narrow quarterfinal victories on Saturday night.
Javier "Chicharito" Hernandez’s second half goal helped Mexico come from behind to beat Guatemala 2-1 and set up a semifinal with Honduras at Houston on Wednesday.
Trailing 1-0 in the second half, substitute Aldo De Nigris equalized in the 48th minute before Manchester United star Chicharito’s 66th minute goal, cancelled out Carlos Ruiz fifth minute strike for Guatemala.
Honduras advanced in the first game of the doubleheader at the New Meadowlands Stadium that drew a sellout crowd of 78,807 with a 4-2 penalty shootout win over Costa Rica.
Carlo Costly, Victor Bernardez, Wilson Palacios and Jerry Bengston converted their penalties for Honduras after 120 minutes of play left the Central American rivals locked at 1-1.
Costa Rica, which has never beaten Honduras in the Gold Cup, saw Celso Borges and Alvaro Saborio’s penalties rebound off the crossbar.
Earlier, Bengston scored in the 49th minute for Honduras, and Dennis Marshall equalized for Costa Rica seven minutes later.
Honduras goalkeeper Noel Valladares saved a penalty from Saborio in the 75th minute to prevent Costa Rica from taking the lead.