For their sixth FIFA World Cup and third in a row, the Costa Ricans, led by Colombian Luis Fernando Suárez, join Spain, Germany and Japan in the Group E statement.
A cruel conclusion for the "Kiwis", dominating but twice upset by video arbitration (VAR).
The Central Americans, 31st in the Fifa rankings, took the lead in the 3rd minute thanks to former Arsenal striker Joel Campbell, who converted their only chance of the first period in the air-conditioned Ahmad ben Ali stadium to Al-Rayyan (west of Doha), which will host seven matches of the first World Cup in an Arab country.
The joy of the players of Costa Rica, after opening the scoring against New Zealand, during the play-off match for the 2022 World Cup in Qatar, June 14, 2022 in Ar-Rayyan KARIM JAAFAR AFP
Then, in front of an audience largely won over in Costa Rica, it was the New Zealanders, 101st in the world, who made the game, with 64% possession of the ball and nine shots, including three on target, in the first period.
But, in the 39th minute, Newcastle striker Chris Wood was denied the equalizing goal, after recourse to VAR, for a foul committed by setter Matthew Garbett.
New Zealand striker Chris Wood equalizes against Costa Rica, before seeing his goal disallowed, after recourse to VAR, during the qualifying match for the 2022 World Cup in Qatar, June 14, 2022 in Ar-Rayyan KARIM JAAFAR AFP
It was then the yellow card inflicted on Kosta Barbarouses that the VAR turned into red for a dangerous tackle on Francisco Calvo (69th minute), while the striker of Greek origin had only entered the game 8 minutes earlier .
The referee shows New Zealand midfielder Kosta Barbarouses a red card for a dangerous tackle on a Costa Rican player, during the 2022 World Cup qualifying match in Qatar, June 14, 2022 in Ar-Rayyan KARIM JAAFAR AFP
Reduced to ten, the "Kiwis" remained offensive until the end, but never managed to deceive PSG goalkeeper Keylor Navas.
And Danny Hay's men miss out on their third World Cup after those played in 1982 and 2010.
© 2022 AFP