Underdogs Ticos Turn Back Uruguay

           Just when you thought that you had already seen enough upsets at this year's World Cup, add a next one to the list. It's Costa Rica's stunning come-from-behind win over one of the tournament's favorites Uruguay.


Action in Group D at the 2014 World Cup got on the way this afternoon at the Estadia Castelao Forteleza with last World Cup’s fourth placed finishers and reigning Copa America Champions Uruguay squaring off with Costa Rica. Rios of Uruguay had the first attempt on goal in the match in the 7^th minute but it was not enough to trouble the Costa Rican custodian. In the 12^th minute a header from Ruiz of Costa Rica just missed the target. Uruguay did have the ball in the back of the Costa Rican net soon though but it was waved off for offside. Just after that the South Americans had a golden opportunity as Lugano was brought down in the Costa Rican penalty area and the German referee Felix Brych pointed to the spot. Cavani stepped up and calmly slotted the ball past the Costa Rican goalie to send Uruguay in front. Costa Rica was not to be outdone though and soon forced two corners which failed to produce anything of value. Nearing the end of the half Forlan took a great ball and fired a shot which took a slight deflection off a Costa Rican defender. It appeared to be going in before a dramatic save from Navas in the Costa Rican goal prevented the Central Americans from going further behind. Surprisingly it was Costa Rica who had the slight edge in possession, but at the break the Uruguayans still held on to the 1-0 lead.


At the resumption Costa Rica had a good chance to equalize but Duarte was foiled by Muslera in the Uruguayan goal. Moments later though, the Central Americans were on level terms as Campbell showed great composure to collect a pass and fire into the far corner of the Uruguayan net. Before the South Americans could settle, Costa Rica were in front for the first time as their number six scored a diving header at the Uruguayan back post. It was a huge blow for the heavy fancied Uruguay team as Costa Rica showed them no respect and took the game to them. In the 85^th minute more misery was piled on as Urena made it 3-1 for the CONCACAF team. In the dying minutes Uruguay tried desperately to find some sort of way back in the game. As the time on the clock ran down, Costa Rica tried their best to keep the ball in the Uruguayan half. Frustration was beginning to set in, and Maxi Pereira was given marching orders for kicking out at Joel Campbell. Things could not have gone more wrong for Uruguay who started the game as one of the pre-tournament favorites. For the Costa Ricans, it was their first win over South American opposition. A win  which they surely will cherish for years to come.