Costa Rican footballer (born 1959)
Róger Flores Solano (born 26 May 1959) is a retired Costa Rican football player, a manager and father of three.
He was the captain of the Costa Rica national football team during the 1990 FIFA World Cup held in Italy. It was the country's first World Cup ever and the national squad accomplished the historic feat of qualifying for the second round against all odds, beating teams apparently much stronger such as Scotland and Sweden. He scored a goal against Sweden, even though he was a defender.
Club career.
In Costa Rica, "Il Capitano" ("The Captain" in Italian) started his career at Sagrada Familia and played for the two most popular teams, 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 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.
He retired in 1996. As a player, he is remembered for his leadership and security on the field, and his excellent coverages of the opposing teams' strikers.
International career.
Flores made his debut for Costa Rica in a March 1983 friendly match against Mexico and collected a total of 49 caps, scoring two goals. He represented his country in 18 FIFA World Cup qualification matches and played at the 1991 UNCAF Nations Cup, winning that title, and the 1991 CONCACAF Gold Cup.
His final international was a July 1991 CONCACAF Gold Cup match against Mexico.
"Scores and results list Costa Rica's goal tally first."
Managerial career.
After retiring, he went on to coach several teams in Costa Rica's First Division, as well as a minor national team. His first job was as coach of Goicoechea in 1996, where he was replaced by Didier Castro in March 1998. He was in charge at Santa Bárbara for only 4 weeks in 2000 and also managed Herediano.
In August 2009 Flores was appointed assistant at Liberia Mía.
Personal life.
His son Andrés is a professional footballer who, like his father, plays as a defender.
References.
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