Costa Rica has dealt a major upset at the 2014 World Cup, shocking favoured Uruguay 3-1 on Saturday in their Group D opener.
An Edinson Cavani penalty goal in the 24th minute was erased in all of three minutes. Joel Campbell and Óscar Duarte scored three minutes apart in the second half to give Los Ticos a lead they wouldn’t relinquish.
Marco Ureña added an insurance marker in the 84th minute, mere moments after being subbed in.
Key play
The entire complexion of Group D was upended in three minutes. Costa Rica started the second half brightly, and was rewarded when Campbell scored off a cross in the 54th minute to tie the game.
Then with La Celeste reeling, Duarte gave Los Ticos a shocking lead three minutes later, sneaking a header into the corner off a free kick.
Man of the match
Joel Campbell. The Costa Rican forward was all over the pitch during the match, scored the tying goal, and is the proud father of one of the best goal celebrations so far at the World Cup.
It was a good day for…
England & Italy. Group D looked like a serious three-horse race between the two European powers and Uruguay. But with Costa Rica’s win, England and Italy may have a clear path to the knockout round – unless Los Ticos have something to say about it.
It was a bad day for…
Diego Forlan. The reigning World Cup Golden Ball winner wasn’t very effective, and was subbed out in the 60th minute.
Overall entertainment rating
4/4. Costa Rica’s two quick goals opened up what was a dour match to that point. And the win will go down as one of the upsets of the tournament.
What does this mean?
Costa Rica was expected to be cannon fodder for the three other teams in Group D. Not anymore. Los Ticos served notice that they have bigger plans then that, and will try to provide more shocks against Italy on Friday (CBC TV, cbc.ca/fifaworldcup, Noon ET).
Uruguay thought this match would be the easiest of the three in its group. So much so that La Celeste rested injured star Luis Suarez for it. But now Uruguay can already see the exit sign. La Celeste can still recover, but three points against England on Thursday are now a must (CBC TV, cbc.ca/fifaworldcup, 3 p.m. ET).