After nearly a year of not winning an international match, the National Football Team of Costa Rica finally celebrated a victory with a performance that recalled the glorious days of the 2014 FIFA World Cup in Brazil.

Sweet victory fired up the fans at the Chinese-donated National Stadium in La Sabana National Park during a cool night in San Jose. The National Team of Uruguay, a respected World Cup champ that features several players signed to European and South American clubs, was determined to beat Costa Rica, a team they consider to be a thorn on their side.

The only goal of the match came early. Uruguayan defenders deflected a corner kick, which found the boots of striker Joel Campbell. Instead of firing a shot on goal, Campbell floated a nice cross towards two Costa Rican attackers with great position; one of them was captain Bryan Ruiz, who scored with a solid header.

Costa Rica looked good during the first half; the catenaccio-like back line of five defenders was effective, playmakers Yeltsin Tejeda and Celso Borges were supported by a great match played by Christian Gamboa. Joel Campbell created dangerous situations for Uruguay, but Johan Venegas of the Montreal Impact could not find rhythm.

Uruguay looked like World Cup champs during the second half. Players such as Mathias Corujo and Diego Godin tested the reflexes of Costa Rican goalkeeper, and the young Christian Stuani dribbled past Tico defenders a few times. Uruguayan coach Oscar Tabarez made substitutions and changed strategies that resulted in a stronger offensive, which Costa Rica was able to contain under considerable pressure.

In the end, fans were pleased to see that new coach Oscar Ramirez, who was last with Liga Deportiva Alajuelense, seems to be bringing back the past greatness of the national team.