Pastor Fernández

José Pastor Fernández Beita (born 22 April 1963 in Pérez Zeledón Canton) is a former football player in the National League of Costa Rica during the 1980s.[1]

Pastor Fernández
Personal information
Full name José Pastor Fernández Beita
Date of birth (1963-04-22) April 22, 1963
Place of birth San Isidro de El General, Costa Rica
Position(s) Striker
Club information
Current team
 AD Sagrada Familia (manager)
Youth career
General Viejo
Senior career*
Years Team Apps (Gls)
1983–1986 Pérez Zeledón
1986–1990 Cartaginés
1990–1992 Alajuelense
1992–1993 San Carlos
National team‡
1988–1989 Costa Rica 2 (1)
* Senior club appearances and goals counted for the domestic league only
‡ National team caps and goals correct as of 8 May 2010
In this Spanish name, the first or paternal surname is Fernández and the second or maternal family name is Beita.

Club career

Fernández started his career in 1983 at second division Pérez Zeledón[2] and later played for Cartaginés, Alajuelense and San Carlos. He retired from the game after 5 seasons in Costa Rica's Premier Division at the age of only 28.[3]

International career

Moment of glory

He became a national sports hero during the 1990 World Cup qualification, when he headed in the winning goal against El Salvador; that victory qualified Costa Rica for its inaugural World Cup.[4][5]

During the previous games Evaristo Coronado had been the hero of the Costa Rican squad with his goals, most of which were headers. For the final game, however, Coronado was injured[6] and Fernandez was picked as his replacement. Just as Coronado had been doing during the qualifying round, Fernandez headed in the winning goal.

From hero to zero

But he was not chosen by coach Velibor Milutinovic to go with the team to Italy, a decision he took very badly, feeling unappreciated by the Football Association as well.[7] In protest, he gave up the sport after two years at Alajuelense and one at San Carlos[6] and disappeared from the football scene. Coronado was also dropped for the World Cup, but he did continue his career. This contrast highlighted Fernandez's decision as an impetuous one, and although many Costa Ricans remember his name and appreciate his goal, few can mention his other accomplishments.

International goals
Scores and results list Costa Rica's goal tally first.
N.DateVenueOpponentScoreResultCompetition
1.16 July 1989Estadio Nacional de Costa Rica (1924), San José, Costa Rica El Salvador1–01–01990 FIFA World Cup qualification

Retirement

After retiring he went into American clothing[7] and later in sportswear.[8]

He is currently working as a P.E teacher in a Costa Rican High School

Personal life

Born in San Isidro de El General, his parents are Aricelda Beita and Ezequías Fernández.[9] His brother Freddy has also played for the Costa Rica national team.

He is married and has three children.[2]

References
  1. Pastor Fernández: Una cabeza de Oro(in Spanish)
  2. Pastor Fernández ¿Qué hay de su vida?: De goleador a maestro - Nación (in Spanish)
  3. GRACIAS: A DIOS… AL FUTBOL… Y A USTEDES - Mario Segura (in Spanish)
  4. Courtney, Barrie (2005-02-02). "International Matches 1989 - North and Central America and Caribbean". RSSSF.
  5. Calvo C., Rodrigo (2008-05-11). "El héroe del boleto a Italia 90 sin rencores" (in Spanish). La Nacion.
  6. El héroe del boleto a Italia 90 sin rencores - Nación (in Spanish)
  7. Pastor Fernández: Resentido con el futbol - Nación (in Spanish)
  8. El gol inmortal de Pastor• Pastor Fernández revive su histórico cabezazo - Nación (in Spanish)
  9. El cabezazo de Pastor Fernández que nos puso en Italia 90 - AD Sagrada Familia
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