Costa Rica produced a breathtaking second-half revival at Estadio Castelao to beat Uruguay for the first time in their history in their Group D opener.
The victory was inspired by Arsenal striker Joel Campbell, who scored one and made another in the first match in England’s group.
It was a far cry from a first half in which Edinson Cavani put a comfortable Uruguay ahead from the penalty spot.
Costa Rica scored twice in three minutes through Campbell and defender Oscar Duarte to spark scenes of jubilation in Fortaleza.
But they were not finished there as substitute Marcos Urena raced onto Campbell’s through ball and clipped his shot beyond Fernando Muslera.
To make matters worse, Uruguay had Maximiliano Pereira sent off in injury time for a spiteful challenge on Campbell. He will now be suspended for Thursday’s game against England.
This was Costa Rica’s first World Cup victory since 2002, and only their fourth in the tournament’s history, against a Uruguay side missing the injured Luis Suarez.
The result means Costa Rica are top of Group D after Italy beat England 2-1, while Uruguay face an uphill battle to qualify for the last 16.
Uruguay looked in control for the opening 50 minutes. Cavani wasted a good early chance after Costa Rica failed to clear a Diego Forlan free-kick, with the Paris St-Germain striker slicing high and wide with the goal at his mercy.
He soon made up for that miss.
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