Their World Cup adventure finally came to an end with a 4-1 defeat to Czechoslovakia, but by then, they had earned the respect of their peers.
Costa Rica face another ghost from the past in the form of Brazil in their final group match on 13 June.
Although some people may claim that they did well to hold the South American giants down to a 1-0 win in 1990, many agree that Brazil's goal was a touch fortunate.
In the 33rd minute, Mozer of Brazil headed on a throw-in from the right side, the ball glanced off the elbow of Costa Rican stopper Montero and another Brazilian, Muller, was able to score.
When they meet again in Suwon, Brazilian-born Guimaraes will, no doubt, be relishing the chance to even the scores.