New Zealand v Costa Rica – Intercontinental Play-Off 
Tuesday 14 June, 9:00pm (Local) | Wednesday 15 June, 6:00am (NZ)
Ahmad Bin Ali Stadium, Doha, Qatar

And so it comes down to this. By 9am on Wednesday morning either New Zealand be returning to the FIFA World Cup for the first time in 12 years, or there will be celebrations in the streets of San José as Costa Rica claim the last spot at Qatar 2022. 

There is no doubt this is the biggest fixture for the All Whites in 5 years and arguably a bigger single game than Peru in 2017 with the tie decided by a one-off match in Doha. 

Ranked number 31 in the world, Los Ticos come into the game as favourites but will be wary of the challenge that Danny Hay’s side pose, with Costa Rican media highlighting their concern about facing Chris Wood. 

The All Whites have had three weeks in camp together building on a strong return over the last year. All the preparation is done. Now it is time for action. 


What Danny Hay said about playing Costa Rica:

“Our time is now. We’ve got some really experienced older players that bookend this young group. We’ve got a really good chance, a really good shot at doing something special. But we know we are up against a very good side as well and they are certainly not going to roll over for us.”

Likely All Whites Team:

Danny Hay will name his strongest XI for the biggest game of his tenure. Both Chris Wood and Winston Reid have overcome small injuries and are fit to start. 

All but one of the 26-man squad have played either during the Peru or Oman games so should be match ready if called upon.


Key Players To Watch: Joel Campbell and Keylor Navas

Former Arsenal forward Joel Campbell will be the man that Costa Rica look to up front to score the goals that see them return to Qatar in November. Now playing in Mexico for Monterrey, 29-year-old Campbell has 116 caps for the team as part of a hugely experienced spine. Dangerous across the front line, keeping Campbell quiet could be the key to the match. 

At the opposite end of the pitch, PSG goalkeeper Keylor Navas is an icon of Costa Rican football. A triple UEFA Champions League winner with Real Madrid, Navas is truly world class and at 35 will be desperate to qualify for what could be his last FIFA World Cup. 

How To Watch:

What live on Sky Sport NZ from 5:00am (NZ). 

For outside Aotearoa New Zealand, read our list of international broadcasters. 

Article added: Tuesday 14 June 2022