Costa Rica makes quarterfinals after seeing off 10-man French Guiana

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Costa Rica secured a spot in the quarterfinals after easing past French Guiana with a 3-0 win in the teams' third Gold Cup match in Frisco, Texas on Friday.

French Guiana were without Florent Malouda, the former France international who was suspended for two matches after being fielded ineligibly in his team's second group match against Honduras.

Costa Rica wasted no time getting on the scoreboard. Ariel Rodriguez found himself in the perfect spot in the third minute and swept home from close range as the ball skipped in front of the French Guiana goal following a corner kick.

Rodriguez came close to doubling the lead for Costa Rica in the 15th minute, connecting on a first-time volley from a nice ball over the top of the Guiana defense, but the shot flew over the crossbar.

Dany Carvajal was called into action right before half-time and did well to save a purely hit Ludovic Baal volley that was headed into the back of the net.

French Guiana had two chances to get on level terms early in the second half, but Shaquille Dutard's effort from close range was blocked away by the Costa Rica defense before Rhudy Evens skied over the crossbar from just outside the penalty area.

Baal then put his team at a massive disadvantage in the 62nd minute when he took a swing at a Costa Rica defender following a foul and was shown a straight red card, leaving his team to finish the match with 10 men.

A pair of substitutes combined for Costa Rica's second when Rodney Wallace fired home from eight yards away after Marco Urena set him up with a perfect pass after a long run down the left flank.

David Ramirez provided the third for his team, hitting a first-time shot past Donovan Leon after Bryan Ruiz split the defense with a seeing-eye through ball.

The win sees Los Ticos through to the quarterfinals, while French Guiana are eliminated after earning zero points in three matches.