By CAITLIN MURRAY
The high-scoring affairs and surprising results haven’t been used up yet as the third day of the 2014 World Cup treated fans to another round of spectacular goals, plus a shocking upset.
After going down a goal to Uruguay in the first half, Costa Rica came surging back to net an unexpected 3-1 win. The result meant by the third day of Brazil 2014, CONCACAF was the only federation to not have lost a match in the World Cup so far. No. 7 FIFA-ranked Uruguay were easily the favorites against No. 28 Costa Rica, even without star striker Luis Suarez, who coach Oscar Tabarez said would rest to buy more time after his surgery.
In stateside news, American fans could be the first to see the new world champions play after winning the World Cup — as long as the winning team is Brazil. The Brazilians will come to the U.S. for two friendlies after the tournament, it was announced. And in women’s soccer, Sydney Leroux again netted the U.S. Women’s National Team a positive result in a friendly against France — the team’s first game with Jill Ellis as head coach.
Here is a rundown of all the stories featured on SBI today:
WORLD CUP:
Campbell leads Costa Rica to unexpected comeback win over Uruguay
SBI World Cup Man of the Match: Joel Campbell
Balotelli header the difference as Italy top England
SBI World Cup Man of the Match: Andrea Pirlo
Second half quick-fire double leads Ivory Coast past Japan
SBI World Cup Man of the Match: Serge Aurier
Colombia begin World Cup campaign with comfortable win vs. Greece
SBI World Cup Man of the Match: Mario Yepes
World Cup Day 3: Your Running Commentary
INTERNATIONAL SOCCER:
Afternoon Ticker: Ronaldo back to 100 percent; Brazil schedules U.S.-based friendlies; and more
U.S. WOMEN’S NATIONAL TEAM:
Leroux lifts USWNT over France in first test for new coach Ellis