New Zealand have failed to qualify for this year’s World Cup in Qatar, losing a controversy-filled intercontinental play-off against Costa Rica 1-0.
Former Arsenal striker Joel Campbell’s third-minute goal was enough to send the Central American nation to a third-straight World Cup as the All Whites twice fell on the wrong side of crucial VAR decisions.
An equaliser by Chris Wood late in the first half was ruled out for a foul in the build-up after referee Mohammed Abdulla consulted his pitch-side monitor.
The New Zealanders’ sense of frustration only increased in the second half when Abdulla sent off substitute Kosta Barbarouses for a challenge on Francisco Calvo.
The United Arab Emirates official had originally booked Barbarouses for the challenge but changed his decision after once more viewing a replay pitchside.
It’s the third qualifying campaign in a row New Zealand have fallen at the final hurdle after losing play-offs to Mexico and Peru in their past two World Cup cycles.
Danny Hay’s team had a disastrous start at the Ahmad bin Ali Stadium, with Campbell hitting the back of the net with the first shot of the match.
The 29-year-old got his foot to a cross from the left before New Zealand’s defence, steering the ball past Oli Sail and into the far corner of the net.
That would be Costa Rica’s only shot of the opening half however as the All Whites pressed hard for a leveller.
Wood twice created opportunities for youngsters Matthew Garbett and Alex Greive but both squandered the chances.
Newcastle United striker Wood forced Costa Rica captain Keylor Navas into a double-save moments later but it wasn’t until the 39th minute when the big New Zealand forward thought he had scored.
Wood steered a Garbett cross passed Navas after it eluded the Costa Rican defence but Abdullah ruled Garbett had committed a foul winning the ball back before his cross.
Costa Rica made a triple change at half-time, bringing on ex-Fulham midfielder Bryan Ruiz, but New Zealand were still dominating the possession, shots and territory.
Even after Barbarouses’ 69th-minute dismissal, New Zealand pressed for a goal with Clayton Lewis’s long-range effort in the 76th minute forcing a smart diving save from Navas.
Costa Rica’s qualification completes the full 32-nation line-up for November’s World Cup with Los Ticos to be in Group E alongside European heavyweights Spain and Germany as well as Japan in Qatar.
fiwiboy7042
Roar Rookie
I'm sure Italy are glad the Kiwis are not at the Cup! :stoked:
KingofKings
Guest
If you’re not good enough you won’t be represented at the world’s biggest sporting event. Sing along with me “C’Mon Aussie C’Mon”
fiwiboy7042
Roar Rookie
Kiwis may have dodged a bullet here. At least they won't have to worry about the Qatar heat! :football:
Stevo
Roar Rookie
“And a Redmayne clown“. LOLz
SP
Guest
Had that goal been allowed the AWs could have arguably been through to the big show. The reffing was a pretty rank alright. I had very high hopes that the AWs would join Aussie in Qatar and the draw for the AWs had already been made for crissake!!!! with some tasty high profile opposition to ensure the spotlight would have really shone on NZ. Ironically as was meant in the run-up to this game, the AWs were probably a better team on paper than aussie but aussie get through to a fifth consecutive cup and NZ missed again. To finish on a positive at least next time the AWs are assured of entry with an enlarged roster so roll on 2026 and the chance to impress the USA!!!!
Skomo
Guest
Don’t be a sore loser and suck it up. Four More Years
jamesb
Roar Guru
The tournament will expand to 48 teams in 2026, so Costa Rica may still have a chance next time around.
jamesb
Roar Guru
I'm sure you predicted Peru would thrash Australia too.
Brainstrust
Roar Rookie
The Kiwis blew it in the 3rd minute , it looked like 2 on 6 and they let Joel Campbell score while the defence was asleep. The red card was ridiculous you would be sending off a lot of people if that was a red card, the ruled out goal was a rugby tackle though you cant see how far back it was in the highlights. Costa Rica their playing stocks are the worst I have ever seen all their big name players are now going to retire after the world cup, Kiwis blew it big time. Canada has taken over Concacaf , Costa Rica their big hope Joel Campbell has gone from Arsenal to being a dud in Mexico. This might be the last time Costa Rica qualifies for a while.
Albert Namat
Guest
The game was streamed live on Fifa + this morning and there was more action in the first 10 minutes than yesterdays whole 120. The Ticos sucker punched the kiwis before they had even settled with a really good goal but after that NZ had the better chances of the half and looked really good doing so. tbh NZ has got good while we weren't paying attention. good speed of movement in midfield and rotation between Lewis, Bell, and young Garbett, Cacace and Kirwan always looking to play forward on the flanks, experienced ball playing centrebacks, and a fair dinkum Viduka type #9 in Chris Wood whose knock-down and hold-up play was dangerous. However, there was no Rojas in the squad and i think he was missed. My thought during the half was thank goodness we didn't draw them because i think they would have pulled our pants down. And a Redmayne clown show wouldn't have saved us. The two controversial incidents were the disallowed goal and the red card and I think the decision to review was correct on both occasions. Garbett held his arm across his man for a fraction too long in the lead-up and an out of touch Kosta B studs-up slide into the ankle of his opponent was an upgrade waiting to happen. The Kiwis can be proud of their team. They dominated the game, even after going down to 10, just the final touch deserted them. And based on current form, I reckon they're gonna give us a touch-up home and away in September.
Roberto Bettega
Roar Rookie
Looks like the Asian officials had it in for NZ.