Batista sacked as Costa Rica coach after six months

SAN JOSE: Costa Rica's head coach Fernando "Bocha" Batista was dismissed Monday following the team's disastrous start to the CONCACAF Nations League, the country's football federation announced.

ArgentNne manager Batista was removed along with his staff just six months after taking the job following losses to Curacao and Haiti in the tournament's first two rounds.

He will be replaced on an interim basis by former Costa Rica player Bryan Ruiz.

Costa Rica reached the quarter-finals of the 2014 World Cup, advancing from a group containing Italy, England and Uruguay, but have suffered a slump in recent years.

The Central American nation failed to escape the group stage in the following two editions, and did not qualify for the 2026 World Cup.

Last Thursday, Costa Rica lost 4-3 at home to Curacao despite leading 3-0 at half-time. Three days later they lost 2-0 to Haiti. - AFP