GROUP D

URUGUAY 1-3 COSTA RICA

SATURDAY 14TH JUNE – FORTALEZA

Costa Rica caused the first major upset of the tournament beating Uruguay 3-1 in Fortaleza. It was even more remarkable as they came from behind in doing so. Edinson Cavani had put Uruguay into a lead at the break, before three second-half goals from Joel Campbell, Oscar Duarte and Marco Urena completed the unlikeliest of comebacks.

In the opening 10 minutes of the game both sides, just looked to sound each other out – with no goalmouth action to speak of.

Costa Rica manufactured a half chance not long after, Bryan Ruiz’s header didn’t manage to trouble Fernando Muslera.

Uruguay thought they had the lead with their first meaningful attack, Forlan’s short free-kick was played into the back post where Edinson Cavani’s effort looped over Navas. but it was disallowed for offside.

Again, Forlan caused havoc as his free-kick found its way to Cavani and the PSG man sliced his effort well wide.

Forlan again was the architect as Uruguay took the lead. He whipped in a dangerous free-kick, Diego Lugano was hauled to the ground. The referee pointed to the spot. Edinson Cavani made no mistake from 12 yards.

Costa Rica almost levelled not long after, Joel Campbell fizzed a long-range effort just wide of Muslera’s right-hand post.

They came close again as Bolanos whipped in a corner from the left, It was missed at the near post by Diego Lugano and Muslera, but Gonzalez couldn’t reach it, as it went out for the throw-in.

Just before the break both sides had chances, firstly, Diego Forlan’s looped effort was kept out by an acrobatic one-handed Navas save. Meanwhile, at the other end, Joel Campbell headed harmlessly over from Gamboa’s cross.

After the break, Costa Rica turned the game on its head with two goals in 3 minutes. Joel Campell levelled the scores. The pacey striker controlled a cross from the right,  before firing past the helpless Muslera.

The turnaround was completed as Bolano’s floated free-kick into the back post was met by the head of Oscar Duarte.

Uruguay found their rythm slightly putting Costa Rica under pressure. Firstly, Cavani’s cross was dangerous but was well cleared by the Costa Rican defence. From the resulting shot corner, Navas was called into action as he punched Cavani’s header to safety.

As Uruguay pushed forward looking for the equaliser they were hit on the break. Joel Campbell played an excellent through ball to substitute Marco Urena, who go in behind a poor Uruguan backline to clip the ball beyond an onrushing Muslera to make it 3-1.

In the five minutes of added-on time Maxi Pereria was dismissed by German refree Felix Brych for a wild hack on Joel Campbell.

Costa Rica will now face Italy, and Uruguay will face England next up having possibly needing to win to stay alive in the group.

TEAMS

URUGUAY: Muslera, Pereira, Godín, Lugano, Cáceres, Gargano (Gonzalez 60), Arevalo Ríos, Stuani, Rodríguez (Hernandez 76), Forlán (Lodeiro 60), Cavani.

GOALS: Cavani 24P.

BOOKINGS: Lugano 50, Gargano 56, Cáceres 81.

SENT OFF: Pereira 90.

COSTA RICA: Navas, Gamboa, Umaña, Gonzalez, Duarte, Junior Díaz, Bolaños (Barrantes 89), Borges, Tejeda (Cubero 74), Campbell, Bryan Ruiz (Urena 83).

GOALS: Campbell 54, Duarte 57, Urena 84.

BOOKINGS: None.

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