Saturday 14 June 2014

World Cup match report: Uruguay 1-3 Costa Rica

Uruguay 1-3 Costa Rica
                                      Cavani, 24 (p)             Campbell (54)
                                                                        Duarte (57)
                                                                        Urena (84) 

 
By Steven Oldham

Marcos Urena scored with his first touch as Costa Rica sealed a famous surprise victory over Uruguay in Fortaleza.

The Central Americans dominated the second half and grew in confidence despite going in at the break a goal behind.

Edinson Cavani converted a first half penalty for Uruguay, but that was as good as it got for Oscar Tabarez's team.

Arsenal striker Joel Campbell scored the equaliser from a sublime Cristian Gamboa cross, and within three minutes they were ahead.

Oscar Duarte's brave header put them in the lead despite the real chance of getting kicked in the head by Christian Stuani's desperate attempt to clear the ball.

Oscar Duarte risked injury to score for Costa Rica (@Futbol_RVTE)

Urena had only been on the pitch for a minute before scoring the goal that cemented Costa Rica's grip on the game after replacing Bryan Ruiz.

Maxi Pereira saw red - the first of this World Cup - for a vicious kick at Campbell in extra time and is now suspended for their next match against England on Thursday.  The referee had no hesitation in showing the Benfica man a straight red card.


Maxi Pereira kicks out at Joel Campbell (@Tholal)
 
It all looked much different before the break. Uruguay were in control without ever stepping out of third gear. They were awarded a penalty after Diego Lugano was hauled down in the box by Junior Diaz.  Paris Saint Germain forward Cavani converted the spot kick strongly to the bottom right corner. Keylor Navas went the right way but the shot had too much pace for him to reach it in time.
 
The Uruguayans also had the ball in the net on 16 minutes, but Diego Godin's conversion of a Lugano cross was disallowed due to the Atletico Madrid centre back being marginally offside.
 
Costa Rica wanted a penalty of their own earlier in the half after Lugano handled the ball in his area, but the referee had already blown for a foul on the defender by Oscar Duarte.
Navas kept his side in the game a minute before half time, saving a dipping Diego Forlan shot one handed.
 
Costa Rica had never beaten Uruguay before tonight, but have now stirred up Group D and handed a first defeat to a South American nation on the continent at this World Cup.
  


Diego Lugano is fouled (@goleadainfo)


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