Costa Rica parts company with head coach Oscar Ramírez

The Costa Rican Football Federation (FEDEFUT) has parted ways with coach Oscar Ramírez after a disappointing World Cup showing.

“Oscar Ramírez will not continue as coach; his contract has expired,” Federation President Rodolfo Villalobos said at a news conference.

Costa Rica left the competition in the group stage after failing to win a match. They lost their opening two games to Serbia and Brazil before drawing their final game 2-2 with Switzerland.

Ramírez has been in charge since 2015, only a week after being appointed as Paulo Wanchope’s assistant. Ramirez stepped up after Wanchope was involved in a fight in Panama and resigned as head coach.

“We believe that his continuation is not appropriate or convenient. We believe in his ability, but the executive committee has decided not to renew his contract,” Villalobos said. “I want to thank Oscar for his dedication, his professionalism, his discipline and his teaching.”

Villalobos said that FEDEFUT’s executive committee will now begin a search for a coach to take the team through qualification for the Qatar 2022 World Cup.

Costa Rica’s style came in for sharp criticism under Ramírez and drew unfavorable comparisons with their showing in the last World Cup in Brazil when they reached the quarterfinals for the first time in their history.