Costa Rican footballer became the last participant of the World Cup. They beat New Zealand 1:0 in the intercontinental play-off at neutral venues in Rajjan, Qatar, and will be appearing among the elite for the sixth time. Joel Campbell decided the match in the third minute.
Costa Rica will enter the final tournament in Qatar on November 23 against Spain. Germany and Japan await in Group E. “This team showed what it means to be Costa Rica. They never give up, they always give one hundred percent,” said coach Luis Fernando Suárez.
Former Arsenal player, Campbell, scored from the first chance of the game. He sprinted between the defenders onto youngster Bennette’s cross and volleyed at the far post.
New Zealand were significantly more dangerous for the remainder of the first half, even though they were 70 places worse off than any Central American team in the FIFA rankings. In the 39th minute, Wood took the lead, but the referee, after viewing the video, canceled out his goal for an earlier foul.
Costa Rica coach Suárez made three changes to the starting line-up at the start of the second half and the match ended in a draw after the break. The “All Whites” effort was also complicated twenty minutes from the end by substitute Barbarouses, who was sent off after a sharp slip.
Despite the weakness, New Zealand created more chances, but did not reach a third participation in the world championships in history.
“We got an early goal, but then we really dominated the pitch. We played a great game, we just lacked quality in the finishing. This elimination will hurt for a long time,” regretted coach Danny Hay, whose side held 64 balls. percent of time and opponent’s outshot 15:4.
FIFA Intercontinental World Cup Qualification Play-offs:
Rajyan (Qatar): Costa Rica – New Zealand 1:0 (1:0)
Goals: 3. Campbell. K. 69. Barbarian (NZ
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