ANKARA

The Costa Rica national football team earned the last ticket to the 2022 FIFA World Cup after defeating New Zealand 1-0 in the intercontinental playoffs on Tuesday.

Joel Campbell scored the winning goal early in the third minute at the Al Rayyan Stadium in Qatar.

Kosta Barbarouses' red card in the 69th minute did not improve New Zealand's winning chances either.

The Central Americans qualified for the World Cup for the sixth time in their history.

Costa Rica has been handed a tough group in the World Cup, as they will compete with Spain, Germany and Japan in the Group E.

The Qatar 2022 is scheduled to be held from Nov. 21 to Dec. 18 with 32 teams in eight groups.