New Zealand has failed in its quest to advance to the 2022 World Cup, losing 1-0 to Costa Rica in the intercontinental playoff in Al-Rayyan.
The All Whites were aiming to become the last team to qualify for Qatar 2022, but fell short at the final hurdle.
Former Arsenal striker Joel Campbell proved the difference between the two nations as he netted the sole goal in the third minute of the cut-throat contest.
The early goal sprung Danny Hay’s All Whites into action and they enjoyed a positive spell before being denied by VAR on 39 minutes.
Newcastle United’s Chris Wood had found the back of the net only for the goal to be ruled out after a foul by Matthew Garbett on Oscar Duarte in the lead-up play.
What was becoming a hill to scale soon became a mountain to climb when second-half sub Kosta Barbarouses was sent off for a rash challenge, with VAR again playing a part.
It was initially deemed a yellow card before it was upgraded to red after further investigation.
New Zealand pushed for an equaliser and forced Costa Rican goalkeeper Keylor Navas into some handy saves late, but ultimately it wasn’t to be.
A third successive World Cup finals appearance was denied with Los Ticos advancing, bringing to an end the qualification process for Qatar 2022.
Photo: PhotoSport NZ