0' All set for opening day in Group D, one of two groups of death in this tournament. Both teams seeking points wherever they can be found. Uruguay without their hero/villain from 2010 in Luis Suarez. Costa Rica certainly no pushover, qualifying in 2nd position in CONCACAF. Edinson Cavani has done nothing but score goals all season, and if there is a favorite it has to be Uruguay, although the team certainly not a young one, but hopefully not too old. Joga Bonito.
15' Uruguay sends it in off a beautiful cross only to have the goal called back for offsides. A good call by the referee. Minutes later, an opportunity for Cavani in the box wide open but sends a half volley no where near on goal. The game starting relatively even with good back and forth play. A couple of chances for both teams, but none with any real finishing that would threaten a goalkeeper.
23' A Diego Forlan freekick earns a penalty kick for Uruguay as Lugano as taken down in a tackle that looked more at home in a rugby match. Edinson Cavani converts from the spot, and its 1-0 Uruguay on a beautiful penalty kick into strong and true into the bottom right corner.
27' Joel Campbell nearly equalising for Costa Rica with a wonderful strike from way outside of the penalty box, and it sails just inches wide of the up right. What a sensational shot, and Campbell proving his danger when granted just a little bit of space.
43' Costa Rica nearly equalising again off a corner kick. Muslera doesn't come off his line strong enough to punch the ball, and it falls to the back post untouched where a Costa Rican striker lay lurking. Unfortunately he is unable to get his head on the ball, and Costa Rica still searching for goals. A minute later, a Forlan shot on the corner attack takes a deflection and the keeper has to back pedal and barely reaches his hand out to the ball to knock it over the cross bar. A Brilliant save that, and both sides left ruing their chances going into the half.
50' Costa Rica catches Uruguay sleeping on a free kick earned off of a yellow card given to Lugano, but the header in on goal is saved fantastically by Muslera keeps Uruguay on top. Costa Rica threatening here, and Uruguay must feel there lead is insecure.
54' And it is Campbell who equalises for Costa Rica. The Uruguayan defense leaving all kinds of space, but a brilliant cross in on goal sees Campbell unmarked on the far side of the goal, and Muslera can only stand and watch the ball sail into the back of the net. Well controlled and a good goal, and the pressure is back on Uruguay.
57' Oh my just like that its 2-1 Costa Rica! A beautiful free kick to the far post sees an absolutely stunning header sent back across the face of goal by Duarte who lays out for the goal. Replays show he might have been offside, but the sideline referee keeping his flag down. Absolutely sensational stuff, and what a difference 5 minutes makes! Uruguay now in dire need of a goal, and you have to wonder if they still have any of the magic that took them into the semi finals four years ago.
64' And Joel Campbell nearly makes it three with another nearly brilliant shot from far out, this time with the shot sailing just wide of the left upright. Costa Rica still looking very threatening, and perhaps Uruguay showing their age, have certainly found themselves on the wrong side of ball this half.
70' Uruguay nearly equalising. A brilliant run in on goal by Cavani but no one around to connect with his cross. On the ensuing corner, Cavani this time sends it onto goal with a header but the Costa Rican keeper up to the task, and punches it back out. Uruguay still forcing Costa Rica to defend, but they need to be careful not to over extend, as Costa Rica have proven their worth with successful counterattacks already.
84' And its a third goal for Costa Rica that more or less seals the victory. A beautiful pass in from Campbell and a beautiful touch by Urena to slot it past Muslera. Absolutely magical stuff from the Costa Ricans, and Uruguay unable to find any of their magic today thus far. Time running out for Uruguay, and the Costa Rican crowd all on their feet chanting for their team.
Final' Not the story line Uruguay were hoping for, as now they have two must win matches against England and Italy. The Costa Ricans played beautifully though, and Joel Campbell in particular having an excellent match, up until the final five minutes with Costa Rica playing keep away and milking the clock. They'll like their chances moving through the group, as they seek to become only the third CONCACAF team to ever advance to the knockout round.
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