The sky blues started off the better team, and showed why they were considered to be a potential surprise winner. Even without Suarez, they sliced through their underdog opponents finally taking the lead before the half hour mark. A swinging free kick from ex-Manchester United flop Diego Forlan found his captain Diego Lugano who was bundled to the ground by an overly-enthusiastic Costa Rican defender. The referee awarded a penalty and the long-haired Edison Cavani stepped up to put his team ahead. The experts locked the door on Costa Rica and wondered how many would Uruguay rack up. But football is a funny old game.
Uruguay lumbered on, the typical lazy South American attitude shone through as they rested on their laurels. Costa Rica took advantage 10 minutes into the second half. Arsenal youngster Joel Campbell, who scored against Moyes' Manchester United for Olympiakos earlier this season, scored again. His left footed volley from inside the box levelled the scoring as he wheeled off to celebrate, sucking his thumb.
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| Costa Rican star man, Joel Campbell celebrates his equaliser |
Minutes later the little Costa Ricans had cause to celebrate again as a free kick found defender Óscar Duarte creeping in round the back. His diving header sneaked in and put the Central Americans ahead in a frantic 3 minute flurry. Suddenly things without Liverpool's Suarez didn't look so rosy as he looked on from the sidelines. He'll be chomping at the bit for his return against England on Thursday...
Costa Rica weren't finished yet as they continued to shock the world. A perfect through ball found substitute Urena who had replaced Bryan Ruiz - arguably Los Ticos' most well known player, after the retired Paolo Wanchope. Urena finished beautifully with his first touch as he nicked the ball past the onrushing Muslera to make it 3 - 1 in the 84th minute.
The Uruguians were to suffer more misery, their feisty characteristics got the better of Maxi Pereira as he scythed down Campbell in the corner. The German referee showed the bald defender a straight red card following his brutal attack on the Man Of The Match.
This result certainly spices things up in this group that also consists of England and Italy. Costa Rica could well surprise these giants of football too and slink into the last 16. Certainly the biggest shock of the tournament so far.
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Uruguay 1 - 3 Costa Rica
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