Miguel Herrera Calls Costa Rica's Gold Cup Exit a “Failure”

Miguel Herrera didn’t sugarcoat his assessment after Costa Rica's elimination from the 2025 Gold Cup. Speaking to the media, the head coach was direct and honest: “Yes, it was a failure, because our goal was to reach the final and fight for the title.”

According to EverardoHerrera.com, Herrera acknowledged that the tournament offered valuable lessons despite the setback. “There’s a lot of work ahead. For some players, this was a big learning experience. We have World Cup qualifiers coming, and we know what we need to improve,” he said.

Discussing the penalty shootout that sealed Costa Rica's exit, Herrera was clear: “There are no pre-set lists anymore. It’s about who’s ready and who practices. Calvo made the first one. Penalty kicks aren’t luck—they’re about skill. That’s why I accept it’s a failure.”

He also noted the step up in competition: “Yes, the teams we faced were stronger than before. We showed we could respond. But we can’t always rely on that response. Playing against tougher teams in the region is useful for our growth.”

Herrera added that he already has a solid core in mind: “I have 30 or 35 names I’m considering for the national team.” As for the squad’s outlook, he was firm: “I don’t think this team lacked potential. We suffered, sure, but we also attacked and created chances. I repeat: we have to keep working, and we need to demand more from the younger players.”