With the two sides locked on three points going into the final Group A games in Frisco, the clash was a winner-takes-all shoot-out for the semi-finals and Rodríguez was outstanding as her country prevailed.

Costa Rica will now join United States in the last four with the hosts, who were already assured of going through, confirming their status as group winners in emphatic style with a 10-0 win over winless Puerto Rico. 

Twenty-two-year-old striker Rodríguez put her country ahead after ten minutes and doubled the advantage from the penalty spot shortly before the hour mark.

Mexico found a way back in when Maribel Domínguez netted an impressive overhead kick just over ten minutes from time, but the Costa Ricans were not to be denied.

They are now one game away from Rio with both semi-final winners advancing to the Games.

The US, the Olympic and world champions, needed just a point to win the group and made short work of Puerto Rico.

Washington Spirit striker Crystal Dunn scored five times in the mis-match, with FIFA World Player of the Year Carli Lloyd also among the scorers from the penalty spot.

Kelley O'Hara, Christen Press and Sam Mewis were also on target, adding to an Ashley Rivera own goal.

Both the US and Costa Rica will now await their semi-final opponents, with Group B concluding tomorrow.

Canada, who are already through, will set up a clash with the Costa Ricans if they collect just a point against winless Guatemala, which will be enough for the Olympic bronze medallists to top the group.

Trinidad & Tobago and Guyana, who both have three points, will meet for the right to join the Canadians in the last four.

Both games will take place at the BBVA Compass Stadium in Houston.