URUGUAY 1, COSTA RICA 3 (WORLD CUP GROUP D)
LUIS SUAREZ UNUSED SUB AS URUGUAY GO DOWN TO LOS TICOS
It’s been a highly successful World Cup so far, with goals aplenty, refereeing controversy and now victory for the ‘underdogs’ on two days in a row. Spain were turned over in style by the Netherlands yesterday but two goals in three second half minutes by Costa Rica shocked a Uruguay side who seemed to be cruising to victory. A third goal late on confirmed Costa Rica’s arrival at a World Cup where it appears going a goal up doesn’t appear to guarantee an easy ride at all.
Uruguay were on their way after a first half penalty tucked away by Edinson Cavani after 24 minutes when Diego Lugano was rugby tackled by Junior Diaz.
Arsenal striker Joel Campbell levelled the scores in the 54th minute when he was left unmarked and stabbed home Cristian Gamboa’s cross. There was little time for both sides to digest the impact of that when Costa Rica went ahead 3 minutes later.
Walter Gargano conceded a foul and Oscar Duarte’s header from the free kick beat Fernando Muslera in the Uruguay goal.
Campbell laid on the goal that sealed victory for a sublime clipped finish past Muslera from the right side of the 6 yard box by substitute Marco Urena in the 84th minute.
Uruguay reverted to type in added time when Maxi Perreira hacked down Campbell during injury time and was immediately red carded for his transgression and will miss Uruguay’s game against England.
THREE QUESTIONS ANSWERED IN THE AFTERMATH OF THIS SHOCK RESULT
COULD JOEL CAMPBELL STAR FOR ARSENAL NEXT SEASON?
Star man Joel Campbell, 21, put Costa Rica back into the contest in the second half, with his pace and direct running. He hasn’t played a game for the Gunners yet, being loaned out to a variety of clubs in the last two years including Lorient, Real Betis and Olympiacos. He scored the second goal for Olympiacos in their first leg 2-0 win in the round of 16 in the Champions League against Manchester United on February 25, 2014. Arsene Wenger is looking for a top class striker to lead the line next season but could he already have an option available for free next season?
DO ENGLAND HAVE ANYTHING TO FEAR FROM URUGUAY OR COSTA RICA?
In truth both sides were evenly matched during the game, with Uruguay struggling to get past a well drilled and packed Costa Rica defence, and on this showing neither side should trouble England or Italy but the threat of a shock is there and slacking will still be punished.
Costa Rica just scored three goals in a game at the World Cup finals for the first time in their history, and they’ll certainly look to play on the break in their remaining two games with three points in the bank. England just have to watch out for the pace that Costa Rica can bring to bear.
Uruguay lost the services of Maxi Perreira after a stupid red card for taking out Joel Campbell so he’ll miss their game against England next Thursday. They have now conceded three goals in their last three games at World Cup finals so the key to this group may well have to be an attacking outlook over defensive solidity, especially for teams that don’t do their homework at set pieces. Just as well we’re in Brazil then…
IS LUIS SUAREZ BEING SAVED FOR ENGLAND OR IS HE ACTUALLY NOT FIT TO PLAY?
Suarez started warming up after Costa Rica went ahead but it was Palermo striker Abel Hernandez who replaced Cristian Rodriguez as Uruguay’s final substitution after 76 minutes and not the Liverpool hitman. Questions will now have to be asked about his match fitness now following his knee operation just 24 days ago.