Honduras needed penalties to take the honours in the early game in New Jersey after Jerry Bengston's third goal of the tournament was cancelled out by Dennis Marshall's header for Costa Rica.

Honduras captain Valladares saved a second-half penalty from Alvaro Saborio to keep his side in it and extra-time proved indecisive.

Carlos Costly, Victor Bernardez, Wilson Palacios and Bengston all converted in the shootout, while Celso Borges and Saborio saw theirs hit the woodwork.

Defending champions Mexico took a slightly easier route into the semi-finals, with a 2-1 victory in regulation.

Guatemala took a surprise lead through Carlos Ruiz in the fifth minute but Aldo De Nigris equalised three minutes into the second half and Manchester United striker Hernandez claimed the winner after 66 minutes.

Jamaica play hosts the United States and Panama take on El Salvador in tomorrow's semi-finals.