Second coming

Medford determined to overcome injury

SAN JOSE, Costa Rica (AP) -- Not even a knee injury can stop forward Hernan Medford Bryan from playing for Costa Rica in its second World Cup.

Medford, 32, began his professional soccer career in 1984. Since then, he has played for teams in Italy, Yugoslavia, Mexico, Austria and Spain.

He returned to his native Costa Rica seven years ago to play for the country's beloved Saprissa team.

Medford earned his spot in Costa Rica's soccer lore during the 1990 World Cup in Italy, when he scored Costa Rica's first-ever World Cup goal and led the team to the second round.

It was a natural progression for Medford. He also scored Costa Rica's first junior World Cup goal in China in 1985.

"I lived some of the best moments of my life in China in 1985 and in Italy in 1990. Scoring those historic goals in those tournaments were some of my greatest moments. What more could I ask in life?" Medford said.

Well, one thing, he concedes, and it's about to come true: to play in a second World Cup before he retires.

"My dream is to say goodbye while playing in a World Cup ... just playing will make me happy. It doesn't matter how many minutes or how many plays I make, it's just fulfilling to be in the game," he said.

Medford said he was also thrilled to be taking to the field under the guidance of coach Alexandre Guimaraes, a longtime friend and former teammate. It was a pass from "Guima" that enabled Medford to make that famed goal against Sweden at the 1990 World Cup.

"We've shared a lot of good moments in Costa Rican soccer, before as teammates and now with him as coach. That's the beauty of this sport," Medford said.

Guimaraes extols Medford's versatility on the field. "Hernan has demonstrated that his talent knows no limits during a game, because he always delivers," the coach said.

Several months ago, Medford swore he would keep playing soccer for at least three more years, but the recurrence of an injury in his left knee may force him to retire before that.

Even if he has to call it quits before he planned, his impressive career record already guarantees him a place among Costa Rica's soccer greats.

Among the members of the 2002 World Cup team, Medrano hold a record in appearances with 76 caps and has scored 17 goals -- which just happens to be his jersey number.

 

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