Johan Venegas (pictured) scored to make it 3-3 in Costa Rica's friendly at Uruguay on November 13, 2014, in Montevideo. (Photo: Mexsport)
MONTEVIDEO, Uruguay – In a rematch of their 2014 FIFA World Cup meeting, visiting Costa Rica outlasted Uruguay 7-6 on penalties after a 3-3 draw in a friendly on Thursday at the Estadio Centenario.
Johan Venegas leveled for the Central American champion in the first minute of second-half stoppage time, foiling the Uruguayans’ attempt to gain a measure of sporting revenge for Costa Rica’s 3-1 win at Brazil 2014.
The Ticos, who extended their unbeaten streak to 12 consecutive games, went ahead in the 41st minute through Alvaro Saborio’s header home off a Bryan Ruiz feed.
Both sides emerged from the interval in attacking moods as they combined to produce five additional goals.
Barcelona’s Luis Suarez got things started with a 49th minute equalizer, but Ruiz responded a minute later to restore Costa Rica’s lead.
Jose Maria Gutierrez and Edison Cavani netted in the 64th and 66th minutes, respectively, to give the host a 3-2 lead that lasted until Venegas had his say.
In the shootout, after 15 kicks yielded a 6-6 score, Cristian Gamboa converted to break the deadlock and give Costa Rica another memorable result.
