The All Whites are out of the 2022 World Cup after a 1-0 loss to Costa Rica in Doha.
The victory means that Costa Rica will be at the World Cup later this year, along with $16.5 million dollars in prize money.
The Central Americans scored early, taking a 1-0 lead in just the third minute through a scrappy break away goal from Joel Campbell.
The All Whites responded well and thought they’d scored an equaliser through striker Chris Wood late in the first half, only for the goal to be ruled out by the video assistant referee.
All Whites player Kosta Barbarouses was given a red card in the 67th minute for a lunging tackle, further hampering New Zealand’s chances of levelling the score.
The All Whites had a couple more shots on goal in the second half but couldn’t find the back of the net.
Costa Rica are the 32nd and final team to qualify for the 2022 World Cup, and will join Group E with Germany, Japan and Spain.
