| With Costa Rica set to do battle with Germany, Ecuador and Poland at the group stage of this summer’s FIFA World Cup™, opposing strikers would do well to learn as much as they can about Gilberto Martinez, or risk the consequences. Even at an early stage of his career with Costa Rican giants Saprissa, from the capital San Jose, it was clear that the player known as Tuma had something special about him. He made his first-team debut as a raw teenager and was a full international by the time he was 20. Throughout his early career, the young defender’s pace and strength in the tackle saw him employed mainly at right-back. Despite his excellent performances on the right flank, his displays left the feeling that he had more to offer his side. In qualifying for the 2002 FIFA World Cup Korea/Japan, Costa Rica coach Alexandre Guimaraes made the inspired decision to build his defence around Martinez, moving him into a more influential central role. Guimaraes’s wisdom would be proved by Martinez’s commanding displays at the heart of the Tico backline. Martinez quickly became a key figure in the Costa Rica starting eleven, his performances over in the Far East earning him a move to European football and Italian side Brescia. Successful switch
More than three years have passed since Tuma first set foot in Italy and Brescia remain delighted with their purchase. In fact, despite the heartbreak of relegation down to Serie B last season, the finger of blame was never pointed in Martinez’s direction, with the Costa Rican defender staying loyal to the northern side in their fight to reclaim their place in Italy’s top flight. Despite the pressing issue of promotion weighing heavily on his mind, the Ticos’ defensive mainstay also nurtures an even greater ambition, namely to help Costa Rica make it through to the second round of the FIFA World Cup™. Like most of his team-mates, he grew up celebrating the Tricolor’s heroics at Italia 90 and cheered the goals of Medford, Cayasso and co along with millions of his countrymen. Martinez is also sure to have learned a great deal from the defensive displays of Ronald Gutierrez, his predecessor as leader of the Costa Rican backline. |
