The playoff match concluded the qualifying campaign for the 2022 World Cup, which will take place in Qatar from 21 November to 18 December.
Costa Rica players celebrate after qualifying for the World Cup. (courtesy: AP)
highlighted
- Costa Rica has qualified for the third time in a row
- Joel Campbell’s opening goal helped Costa Rica
- VAR for New Zealand’s draw. chalked out
Costa Rica has qualified for the FIFA World Cup for the third time in a row when they defeated New Zealand 1–0 in their intercontinental playoff to finish last in the 2022 Qatar event.
Former Arsenal striker Joel Campbell’s opening goal gave Costa Rica the lead against New Zealand after just three minutes.
New Zealand will be hard-pressed after their equalizer chalked out for a foul by VAR in the 39th minute by Chris Wood who hit the ball into the back of the net.
An investigation found that Matthew Garbet had slandered Oscar Duarte as a harsh decision. Costa Barbaras got a red card in the 69th minute due to a VAR check, leaving the Kiwis 10 people left.
“We had a chance to score early and then we fought,” Costa Rica coach Luis Fernando said after the match.
“We knew what his assets were. We knew we would struggle with his air balls. We had to change at halftime to get more possession of the ball and have a line of five in defence. It proved important. “
The playoff match between the fourth-placed team in the CONCACAF region and the winner of the Confederation of Oceania concluded the qualifying campaign for the 2022 World Cup, which will be held in Qatar from 21 November to 18 December.