How Did USA Qualify For Qatar 2022: Costa Rica finished fourth in World Cup qualifying after defeating the United States and will face New Zealand in a playoff for a World Cup berth.
Despite losing 2-0 to Costa Rica in their last CONCACAF World Cup qualification match on Thursday, the United States Men’s Football Team qualified for the FIFA World Cup in Qatar. Costa Rica finished fourth in World Cup qualifying after defeating the United States and will face New Zealand in a playoff for a World Cup berth.
Here: How Did USA Qualify For Qatar 2022
Earlier, the United States defeated Panama 5-1 at home in Orlando, with captain Pulisic scoring a hat-trick. Costa Rica needed to beat the United States by six goals or more in San Jose in order to qualify for the World Cup.
Juan Vargas and Anthony Contreras scored two goals in eight minutes in the second half to raise expectations of a miracle. The US, on the other hand, regrouped to finish the game and qualify for Qatar 2022 based on goal differential. After a shock defeat to Trinidad & Tobago in 2018, the United States failed to qualify for the 2018 World Cup in Russia.
Costa Rica 2 – 0 USMNT: Highlights
Following a goalless first half, the USA side came out strong in the second half, almost taking the lead through Miles Robinson’s header after Christian Pulisic’s free-kick. Keylor Navas, the Costa Rican goalkeeper, parried the shot before Timothy Weah’s follow-up was stopped.
Despite a strong start from the United States, Costa Rica seized the lead in the 51st minute. Following a corner from Brandon Aguilera, Vargas headed the ball into the back of the net to give his team the lead. After a blunder by US goalkeeper Zack Steffen, Costa Rica extended their advantage eight minutes later.
The goalie mishandled a free-kick aimed at him, allowing the team to gain control in a hazardous location. Contreras bundled in the finish from close range after Jewison Bennette put in a low cross. Costa Rica had one more shot on goal, but they were unable to break through against a determined USA defense.
