SAN JOSE, July 4: Costa Rica's World Cup coach Alexandre Guimaraes quit his post on Monday after receiving phone threats at his home, he told a press conference. Guimaraes had a contract with the Central Americans until 2010 but said it was not worth continuing in the job under the threat of violence against him and his family.

“The first sign was in the airport,” he said.

“If I had not been under police protection I don't know if I would have been here today (Monday) for this press conference.”

The Brazilian, a naturalised Costa Rican, said that since his return he had endured the wrath of supporters who blamed him for his country's first round exit in Group A.

Costa Rica lost all three group matches: 4-2 to Germany, 3-0 to Ecuador and 2-1 to Poland.

“I don't want to be held solely responsible and have to hire bodyguards,” added Guimaraes.

He said he had given his best and lamented the fact supporters failed to realise that Costa Rican football was not at the level of the teams that had beaten them, particularly in terms of facilities.—AFP