Jamaica and Costa Rica advance in the CONCACAF Gold Cup

Jamaica and Costa Rica advanced today to the quarterfinals of the CONCACAF Gold Cup while El Salvador will have to wait for what happens tomorrow in the closing of Group C.

In the second match of the day played today in Toronto, Costa Rica drew 0-0 against Canada, which is out of the tournament. The "ticos" close the group stage as second in Group B with three points after three draws.

Jamaica finishes as the leader with seven points by defeating El Salvador 1-0 in the first match of the day. El Salvador, with two points, will have to wait until tomorrow to see if they advance as one of the two best third-placed teams.

Canada, also with two points but with one less goal scored, is already out. The North American team leaves the Gold Cup for the second consecutive time without scoring a goal. They haven't scored since the 2011 edition.

And that's despite having perhaps the best opportunities today. In the first half, forward Marcus Haber couldn't score from close range against goalkeeper Esteban Alvarado.

In the 67th minute, Haber scored after a free-kick, but the goal was disallowed for offside. In the 80th minute, Alvarado lost the ball inside the box and two Costa Rican players prevented the goal that would have qualified Canada from going in.

Prior to that, Jamaica defeated El Salvador with a goal from Garath McCleary in the 72nd minute after seizing a loose ball inside the box. The "reggae boys" already know they will face Haiti, second in Group A, in the quarterfinals on Saturday.

El Salvador, in greater need, sought victory more than their opponent but couldn't convert their chances. To advance to the quarterfinals, they need Guatemala and Cuba to draw in Charlotte, where Group C concludes.

After that match, Trinidad and Tobago, with six points, and Mexico, with four, will fight for the first place in the group.

The outcome today in Group B means that Panama also advances to the quarterfinals as one of the two best third-placed teams in the group with three points in Group A.