Costa Rica defeats New Zealand to reach third straight World Cup

The Ticos have qualified for their third consecutive World Cup

Costa Rica has booked its place in the 2022 World Cup with a 1-0 win over New Zealand in the intercontinental playoff on Tuesday in Qatar.

Joel Campbell scored off a cross from 17-year-old Jewison Bennette in the third minute, and that goal stood up the rest of the match as the Ticos reached a third straight World Cup and fifth out of six.

Costa Rica finished fourth in CONCACAF World Cup qualifying, reaching the playoff after Canada, the United States and Mexico all qualified automatically.

Luis Fernando Suárez’s side will now go into World Cup Group E alongside Spain, Germany and Japan.

The Ticos were beneficiaries of two major decisions in their favor after a VAR review.

First, Chris Wood’s equalizer for New Zealand five minutes before halftime was waved off due to a foul in the build-up.

Midway through the second half, New Zealand’s Kosta Barbarouses was shown a straight red card after a video review for a studs-up challenge on Costa Rica defender Francisco Calvo.

The 32-team field for the World Cup has now been finalized after three final spots were earned this month.

In Europe, Wales defeated Ukraine to seal the final UEFA spot, while Australia defeated Peru on Monday in the other intercontinental playoff.

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