Teams

Costa Rica qualified for their third straight World Cup, and their 5th in 6 editions, but they had to go about it the long way. Despite defeating USA 2-0 on the final qualifying day, they finished in 4th spot, below the United States on goal difference, and required a one off play match to make it to Qatar. A third minute goal from Joel Campbell, formerly of Arsenal, Villarreal, Real Betis and Sporting Lisbon was enough to secure a 1-0 win over New Zealand to secure their place. Costa Rica famously reached the Quarter Finals in Brazil 2014, finishing top of the Group of Death consisting of Uruguay, England and Italy before defeating Greece in the Round of 16. Only a penalty shootout defeat to Netherlands stopped them in their tracks.