Costa Rica come back from a goal down to stun Uruguay

Saturday 14 Jun 2014
Oscar Duarte celebrates after putting Costa Rica ahead

Costa Rica came from behind to pull off a huge World Cup giant-killing act against the highly-fancied Uruguay.

Arsenal striker Joel Campbell was the inspiration behind this unlikely Group D result. Uruguay led at half-time through an Edinson Cavani penalty after Junior Diaz fouled Diego Lugano.

Costa Rica 3-1 Uruguay

2014 FIFA World Cup
Group D
Estadio Castelao, Fortaleza
Saturday 14 June 2014

 

Costa Rica looked like they were going to struggle before they scored twice in three second-half minutes through Campbell and Oscar Duarte.

Substitute Marcos Urena scored the third and Uruguay defender Maxi Pereira was sent off for a bad foul on Campbell. 

Cavani struck in the 24th minute with a well-taken penalty, but that was nothing compared to Campbell's 54th-minute equaliser.

Cristian Gamboa did some excellent work on the right to get the ball into the penalty area and Campbell was left unmarked to drill in an unstoppable shot.

Uruguay looked taken aback, but they were totally stunned when Costa Rica then took the lead three minutes later. Costa Rica won a free-kick following a foul by Walter Gargano and the ball was aimed to the far post where Duarte finished with a diving header.

Liverpool striker Luis Suarez was warming up but he was not used in the match as Costa Rica proceeded to prove worthy winners.

Cavani forced a good save from a header, but that was about it as man of the match Campbell set up Urena for a classy third goal, in the 84th minute, with a stunning through ball. It was Urena's first touch.

Just when Uruguay thought the night could not get worse, experienced defender Pereira was shown a straight red for a wild hack on Campbell with seconds to go. He will now miss the England match through suspension.

By FA Staff