The Context: A World
Cup of Surprises
A total of 116 teams entered the 1990 World Cup
qualification process, including Italy as the host nation and Argentina as the
reigning champions, both of whom were granted automatic qualification. This
left 22 spots to be contested among the remaining nations. Ultimately, 103
teams participated in the qualifiers due to withdrawals and disqualifications,
including notable absences like Mexico and Chile. Mexico’s disqualification
stemmed from fielding an overage player in a prior youth tournament, while
Chile faced sanctions after goalkeeper Roberto Rojas’ infamous act of faking an
injury during a match.
The tournament itself featured three debutants: Costa Rica,
the Republic of Ireland, and the United Arab Emirates. For Costa Rica, their
inclusion was nothing short of a dream. Drawn into Group C alongside Brazil,
Sweden, and Scotland, they were seen as no-hopers in a group teeming with
football pedigree. Brazil was expected to progress effortlessly, while Scotland
and Sweden were anticipated to vie for the second spot. Costa Rica’s chances
seemed negligible.
The Match That
Changed Everything
On June 11, 1990, at the Stadio Luigi Ferraris in Genoa,
Costa Rica faced Scotland. The Scots, with their storied World Cup history and
reputation as a tough contender since 1974, were heavy favorites. However,
football often defies logic and predictions.
The match’s defining moment came in the 49th minute when
Juan Cayasso scored the decisive goal. The move began with Claudio Jara’s
audacious back-heel pass at the edge of the box, setting up Cayasso for a
one-on-one with Scotland’s goalkeeper, Jim Leighton. With remarkable composure,
Cayasso chipped the ball over Leighton, securing a historic victory for Costa
Rica.
Reflecting on the goal, Cayasso later said, “At first, I was
frightened. But then I had to react. The ball hit Leighton’s belly and went
over him. When I saw the referee pointing to the centre, it finally sank in: we
had scored.”
The Scottish fans and media were stunned. While Scotland’s
flaws were evident, Costa Rica deserved credit for their discipline, mental
fortitude, and tactical execution. The victory was a watershed moment, not just
for Costa Rican football but for underdogs everywhere.
The Architect: Bora
Milutinović
Costa Rica’s success owed much to their Yugoslavian coach,
Bora Milutinović. Appointed in February 1990, Milutinović brought invaluable
experience, having previously coached Mexico in the World Cup. Despite limited
preparation time, he instilled confidence in his players and emphasized mental
strength.
“Bora was like a father figure,” Cayasso recalled. “At
first, he thought we had little chance, but once we arrived in Italy, his faith
in us grew. He was pivotal in shaping our mentality.”
The Group Stage:
Defying Expectations
After their triumph against Scotland, Costa Rica faced
Brazil in Turin. Although they lost, goalkeeper Luis Gabelo Conejo’s heroic
performance drew widespread acclaim. In a clever move to win local support,
Costa Rica wore shirts resembling those of Juventus, the beloved Italian club.
The strategy worked to some extent, as the crowd’s admiration for Conejo
overshadowed Brazil’s victory.
Costa Rica’s final group match against Sweden was a
nail-biter. Trailing 1-0, they mounted a stunning comeback with goals from
Roger Flores and Hernán Medford in the 75th and 87th minutes, respectively. The
2-1 victory secured their place in the Round of 16, a feat few had deemed
possible.
A Nation’s Pride
Reflecting on their journey, Cayasso said, “After beating
Scotland, I was in shock. No one thought about qualifying. But as things
unfolded, we began to believe.” Despite their eventual elimination by
Czechoslovakia in the Round of 16, Costa Rica left Italy with heads held high.
Their performance inspired a new generation and elevated the nation’s
footballing status.
Beyond the Fluke
Narrative
Some critics dismissed Costa Rica’s success as a fluke, but
the team’s preparation and pedigree tell a different story. Many players gained valuable experience in international competitions, including the Olympic
Games in Moscow (1980) and Los Angeles (1984). Moreover, the influence of
European-trained coaches at top Costa Rican clubs like Alajuelense and Saprissa instilled a more tactical approach to the game.
Costa Rica’s pre-tournament friendly against Wales, though a
1-0 loss, provided crucial insights into the British style of play. This
preparation proved invaluable against Scotland. Conejo, who had been
underestimated due to his domestic performances, emerged as one of the
tournament’s standout goalkeepers.
Legacy and Impact
Italia ’90 was a turning point for Costa Rican football.
While their performance in subsequent World Cups, notably in 2014, showcased
their growth, the foundation was laid in 1990. Cayasso’s goal against Scotland
remains a symbol of hope and perseverance for a nation that dared to dream.
As Cayasso aptly summarized, “That afternoon in Genoa will always be a red-letter day for Costa Rica. It wasn’t just about football; it was about proving that with determination and belief, anything is possible.”
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