Costa Rica boss Oscar Ramirez highlighted the importance of Scotland to his country's football history ahead of the friendly at Hampden Park on Friday night.

Ramirez was in the Los Ticos side which shocked the Scots 1-0 in their opening Group C encounter at the 1990 World Cup in Italy.

Scotland boss Alex McLeish was in the Scotland defence that day, which marked Costa Rica's first appearance at the finals.

While McLeish begins his second tenure in the Hampden hot seat looking ahead to the inaugural Nations League later in the year, Ramirez is preparing Costa Rica for their fifth World Cup appearance.

Oscar Ramirez with his assistant manager at training
Oscar Ramirez at Costa Rica training

"It was a very important game in the history of Costa Rican football of course, being the first match we had at the World Cup," said Ramirez, speaking through an interpreter at a Hampden Park press conference

"We did a very good job preparing the team for Italia 90.

"A nation who had never been to a World Cup before, winning that game was a surprise. And it was an important kick-off point for our nation.

"Since 1990 there has been a big development of Costa Rican football and, of course, our more recent reference is what we did in Brazil in 2014 (when they reached quarter-finals before losing on penalties to Holland).

"Of course there is some expectation that we win this game. But we have to compromise with that and show some things we will do in the World Cup."

Ramirez revealed he had made a point of looking back at the game against Scotland and is looking forward to a reunion with McLeish.

Alex McLeish speaks to the press ahead of the game

He added: "It's the second time this happened. My first game as national team coach was against Brazil, managed by Dunga - who I played against at Italia 90.

"I didn't remember Alex playing on the field that day, so I went back and watched the video.

"I remember a lot of the play on my side in an intense game. It's nice for me to see former players from this game."

While McLeish's experimental squad has nine players who have yet to win a cap, Ramirez is planning to play his strongest side as he prepares for taking on Group E opponents Brazil, Serbia and Switzerland at this summer's finals.

He said: "We have most of the team who played in the qualifiers.

Costa Rica coach Ramirez takes part in training

"The idea is to play a team very similar to the side we'll pick in the World Cup, with some adjustments and decisions.

"Later in the game you'll see some different substitutes. But the starting XI you will see is probably going to be the same team as we'll see in the World Cup.

"For this game, we're looking at gaining rhythm and the level we need for the World Cup. Playing Scotland will help us with that.

"We also want to look at new players for the World Cup. That's what we're looking for from the game tomorrow."

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