The United States played to a 0-0 tie with Costa Rica Tuesday at Gillette Stadium in Foxboro, Mass., and win Group B at the Gold Cup.
The Americans meet the third-place team in Group C — Jamaica, South Africa or Mexico — in the quarterfinals on Saturday in Foxboro (TV, Telefutura, live, 4 pm ET).
The tie marked the first time the USA has failed to win an opening round match in the Gold Cup's 15-year history. The Americans had won their previous 18 games.
''I thought it was a good game,'' said U.S. coach Bruce Arena. ''I thought both teams played well. There werenÆt a whole lot of chances, but the pace was very good. It is a pretty good effort, considering that both teams could have sat back and relaxed tonight. Overall we are satisfied, because our objective is to be in a game on Saturday [in the Gold Cup quarterfinals].''
Kasey Keller picked up his 12th shutout in 18 Gold Cup appearances and 83rd cap in goal to move past Brad Friedel into second all-time for the U.S. in that category
''WeÆve given up one goal in three games and that is fantastic,'' said Keller. ''You are going to win a lot of games if you keep it that tight in the back. WeÆve got a good foundation to build on. Jimmy Conrad has stepped in and done a great job and the veterans like Tony Sanneh and Eddie Pope have been solid as well.''
Frankie Hejduk was called for a dive as he attacked Costa Rica on the edge of the penalty area in the 87th minute, and was handed his second yellow card of the tournament, meaning he will have to sit out Saturday's quarterfinal match-up.
SUMMARY:
July 12 in Foxboro, Mass.
USA 0 Costa Rica 0.
USA — Keller, Cherundolo, Sanneh, Conrad, Hejduk, Armas, Olsen, OÆBrien (Beasley, 58), Ralston, Noonan (Donovan, 66), Dempsey (Wolff, 78)
Costa Rica — Porras, Wallace, Cordero, Umana, Miller, Bryce, Fonseca, Lopez (Sequiera, 67), Soto (Ruiz, 76), Brenes (Bolanos, 62), Rojas.
Yellow cards: USA — Hejduk 87; Costa Rica — Rojas 25, Bolanos 78.
Referee: Benito Archundia (Mexico).
Att.: 15,211.
STATS:
Shots: USA 8, Costa Rica 3.
Saves: USA 2, Costa Rica 5.
Corner Kicks: USA 6, Costa Rica 3.
Fouls: USA 19, Costa Rica 14.
Offside: USA 3, Costa Rica 5.