Róger Flores
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A former Costa Rican soccer player, Róger Flores Solano (Born 26 May 1959) was Costa Rica's national team captain during the 1990 World Cup held in Italy. It was the country's first World Cup ever, and they accomplished the historic feat of qualifying to the second round against all odds, beating teams apparently much more stronger such as Scotland and Sweden. He even scored a goal against Sweden, even though he was a defender.
In Costa Rica, "Il Capitano" (The Captain in Italian) played for the two most popular teams, LD Alajuelense and Saprissa. He started out in Alajuela in the mid 80's, and was part of the team that won the CONCACAF Champions Cup in 1986. He won two national titles with LD Alajuelense as well. After his transfer to Saprissa, he reached the pinnacle of his career, becoming a star and the captain of the team as well of the national squad. With Saprissa, he won three more local tournaments, and another two CONCACAF Champions Cup. With Costa Rica he won the I UNCAF Cup Centroamerican Tournament, in 1991. As a player, he is remembered for his leadership and security on the field, and his excellent coverages on the opposing team's strikers. After retiring, he has coached several teams in Costa Rica's First Division, as well as a minor national team.
Costa Rica squad - 1990 FIFA World Cup | ||
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1 Conejo | 2 Quesada | 3 Flores | 4 González | 5 Obando | 6 Chaves | 7 Medford | 8 Chavarría | 9 Guimarães | 10 Ramírez | 11 C. Jara | 12 Gómez | 13 Davis | 14 Cayasso | 15 Marín | 16 Jaikel | 17 Myers | 18 G. Jara | 19 Marchena | 20 Montero | 21 Barrantes | 22 Segura | Coach: Milutinović |