Following a frustrating World Cup, Costa Rica will move in a new direction.
The Costa Rican federation announced that Oscar Ramirez’s contract will not be renewed following Costa Rica’s World Cup elimination. Costa Rica hopes to name a coach in time for September friendlies.
“Oscar’s contract expired after the game against Switzerland and the decision not to renew it was taken by the executive committee ,” said federation president Rodolfo Villalobos in a statement “I would like to thank him for his efforts.”
“We are going to make an appointment according to the budget that the Federation manages. We would love for him to have the World Cup experience, that is positive for the group, but if we revise those names that are being proposed, and if it could not be a World Cup veteran for a budget issue, I can not imagine who it could be at this moment.”
Costa Rica went three and out at this summer’s World Cup after losing their first two matches before drawing Switzerland in their group stage finale.
Tough luck for Ramirez and CR. Before the games started I wrote that they very well could come in last. While it wasn’t a group of death, it was tough enough. They did better against Brazil than did Mexico, not conceding a goal until the 96th minute, lost to Serbia on a wondrous free kick, and had the well earned draw with Switzerland. They really kind of deserved better.
They were overly defensive and not dangerous at all on the attack until the last game. I understand that they simply wanted to wait out and keep the score down against Brazil. But it was disappointing against Serbia. They only played in the last game when nothing was on the line.
I have stated repeatedly that this WC was a tough draw for CONCACAF. But the real Costa Rica team that we see in CONCACAF did not participate.