Oscar Ramirez (pictured) was named head coach of Costa Rica on August 18, 2015. (Photo: Imagenes en Costa Rica)
SAN JOSÉ, Costa Rica – Former Alajuelense head coach Oscar Ramirez will take up the same position with Costa Rica national team, the Federación Costarricense de Fútbol (FEDEFUTBOL) announced Tuesday.
The 50-year-old replaces Paulo Wanchope, who resigned from his post a week earlier following a physical altercation in the stands at the Estadio Maracana in Panama City, Panama. Ramirez had previously served on the national team’s coaching staff, working as assistant from 2006-08 under Hernan Medford.
As a player, Ramirez earned 75 caps for Costa Rica and scored six goals. He appeared in all four of the Ticos’ matches during a run to the second round of the 1990 FIFA World Cup
After playing for Costa Rican clubs Alajuelense and Saprissa, Ramirez went into coaching and, in 2009, took the managerial reins at Santos de Guapiles. Less than a year later, he became head coach of Alajuelense, where he won three titles until his exit in 2012.
In 2013, he returned to the Manudos, guiding them to a 29th domestic title and two consecutive semifinal appearances in the Scotiabank CONCACAF Champions League (2013-14, 2014-15).
Costa Rica has friendlies scheduled next month against Brazil in Harrison, New Jersey, USA (September 5) and at Uruguay (September 8).
