Clint Dempsey opened the scoring in the ninth minute from the penalty spot after Bobby Wood was pushed in the back.

The former Premier League hitman netted his 50th international strike sending Costa Rica keeper Patrick Pemberton the wrong way.

More good work from Dempsey led to the USA doubling their lead when Jermaine Jones stroked the ball home from 20 yards.

And the game was all but over at half-time when Wood got himself on the scoresheet, drilling the ball past a helpless Pemberton.

Costa Rica tried their hardest to get back in the game in the second-half but were unable to cause any problems for Brad Guzan in goal.

Substitute Graham Zusi completed the rout in the 87th minute to keep the USA’s Copa America dream alive.

Jurgen Klinsmann’s men knew a defeat would see the hosts eliminated after playing just two games in the 2016 tournament.

And when Arsenal ace Joel Campbell came close for Costa Rica in the first five minutes, the tension in the crowd was palpable.

But after Dempsey converted the penalty, the USA controlled the match and swept their opponents aside.

The final group game for the USA is against Paraguay on Sunday in Philadelphia.

Costa Rica face a tough test to stay in the competition as they play Colombia in Texas.