COSTA Rica is not a country that brings back particularly happy memories for those members of the Tartan Army old enough to remember Italia ’90 in vivid detail.

The side who face Scotland tonight have become a serious force on the international stage, having reached the World Cup quarter-finals in 2014 and with a Real Madrid goalkeeper in their ranks.

But the Central Americans who lined up against Andy Roxburgh’s team in Genoa 28 years ago had been placed firmly in the ‘whipping boys’ bracket ahead of the tournament's kick-off.

Read more: Oscar Ramirez looks back on day Costa Rica stunned world football with shock win over Scotland at Italia 90

It was Costa Rica’s first ever appearance at a World Cup finals and on paper, they looked like the ideal opening day opponent for a Scots side featuring the likes of current boss Alex McLeish, Stuart McCall and Mo Johnston.

But with almost 50 minutes gone, Juan Cayasso stunned the vociferous Scottish fans in the Stadio Luigi Ferraris into silence by taking the lead through a neat exchange of passes that baffled the Scots defence.

It was a World Cup debut to remember for the Costa Ricans as they held on to their slender advantage, but a reaction was demanded from Roxburgh’s humiliated side as they received a barrage of criticism.

They duly delivered by beating Sweden 2-1 in the following match, but a 1-0 defeat to Brazil in the final group game ensured that it was another early exit for the Tartan Army, who were left rueing that opening day result.

Costa Rica went on to finish second in the group thanks to a final day victory against Sweden, but their fairytale journey was cut short by Czechoslovakia in the Round of 16 as they fell to a 4-1 defeat.