Underdogs Costa Rica come from behind to stun Uruguay

Maximilian Haupt, dpa

Trailing at the break to a penalty converted by Edinson Cavani, Costa Rica levelled in the 54th minute when Man of the Match Campbell lashed home an equalizer from Cristian Gamboa's deep cross.

With Uruguay reeling, Duarte headed in a free kick just three minutes later and a late goal from substitute Urena, who swept a calm finish beyond Fernando Muslera, secured the points even before Maxi Pereira was red carded in injury time for lashing out at Campbell.

Uruguay did not use substitute Luis Suarez, protected on the bench after May knee surgery, as Costa Rica claimed a famous first victory over La Celeste.

"That was a historic success for us," Costa Rica coach Jorge Pinto said in a television interview. "We have defeated a great team.

"We have not lost our heads when we went behind. I am very satisfied and happy," he added.

And without Suarez, the attack led by Cavani and Diego Forlan was often toothless.

Though they had the backing of a large, blue-shirted support, it was Costa Rica who seemed to settle quicker. They had the first half chance but Muslera easily watched Bryan Ruiz's header drift over the bar.

This minor threat sparked Uruguay into action and they replied with a disallowed goal from Diego Godin. In a tournament already marred by refereeing errors, the match officials were correct in this offside call.

Cavani slashed a hideous volley into the stand after a free kick deflected into his path before another set piece brought the penalty and the breakthrough Uruguay craved.

Junior Diaz wrestled Diego Lugano to the ground as the pair jostled to meet a cross, and Cavani found the bottom right corner in style from 12 yards after 24 minutes.

Giancarlo Gonzalez could have levelled when Uruguay failed to clear a set piece but the defender could manage only a nervous prod from close range which was deflected wide.

On the stroke of half-time, Keilor Navas had to back-pedal sharply to turn over Forlan's shot which threatened to loop over him thanks to a wicked deflection.

But after the break Costa Rica were inspired while Uruguay were insipid and Pinto's team turned the game on its head to blow Group D wide open.

Campbell controlled Gamboa's cross on his chest in the 54th minute and with Muslera rooted to the spot, he fired a powerful shot across the keeper and into the net.

Just three minutes later Costa Rica were in front as Duarte, who may have been offside by the finest margin, found space at the back post to meet Cristian Bolanos' free kick with a diving header to leave Muslera helpless once more.

Cavani had one decent attempt to equalize with a header saved by Navas but this came from a neatly worked corner kick. From open play, Uruguay struggled to make an impact on the packed Costa Rica defence.

Instead Costa Rica remained dangerous on the break and a powerful effort by the inspired Campbell came close to doubling their lead.

But the decisive third goal arrived six minutes from time when Campbell split the defence with a lovely pass and Urena kept his cool to slide a calm finish just out of reach of Muslera.

Uruguay's misery was completed deep into five minutes of injury time when Pereira kicked out in frustration at Campbell and was shown the first red card of the tournament.