Costa Rica going to World Cup, beats New Zealand in playoff
AL RAYYAN, Qatar (AP) — Costa Rica has filled the 32nd and final spot in the World Cup lineup by beating New Zealand 1-0 in an intercontinental playoff. Costa Rica relied on its core of veterans. It defended a third-minute goal from Joel Campbell and relied on saves from goalkeeper and captain Keylor Navas. New Zealand created more scoring chances even with 10 men for the last 25 minutes. Two key decisions after video review went against the New Zealanders. They canceled out a possible equalizing goal by Chris Wood and ensured a red card for a foul by Kosta Barbarouses. Costa Rica goes into Group E against the champions of two of the last three World Cups. The group includes Spain, Germany and Japan.