World Cup qualifiers: How did USA qualify for Qatar 2022 despite 2-0 loss to Costa Rica?

United States Men's Football Team qualified for FIFA World Cup in Qatar despite losing 2-0 to Costa Rica in ir final CONCACAF World Cup qualifier match on Thursday. After beating USA, Costa Rica finished World Cup qualifiers in fourth place and will face New Zealand in a playoff for a World Cup berth.

FIFA World Cup 2022 Qualifiers: How did USA qualify for Qatar despite losing to Costa Rica

Earlier, USA demolished Panama 5-1 at home in Orlando, thanks to a hat-trick from skipper Pulisic. equation for Costa Rica ahead of  USA vs Costa Rica fixture was that y had to beat USA by six goals or more in San Jose to have a chance of qualifying. 

Costa Rica in second half scored two goals in eight minutes courtesy of Juan Vargas and Anthony Contreras, raising hopes of a miracle. However,  United States regrouped to close out match, qualifying for Qatar 2022 on goal difference. Back in 2018,  United States failed to qualify for World Cup in Russia, after a shock defeat to Trinidad and Tobago shattered ir campaign.

FIFA World Cup 2022 Qualifiers: USA vs Costa Rica match highlights

After a goalless first half, USA team started match strongly in second half and almost took lead through Miles Robinson’s header following Christian Pulisic’s free-kick. However, Costa Rica goalkeeper Keylor Navas parried away shot, before Timothy Weah’s follow-up was blocked.

Despite early effort from USA, it was Costa Rica who took lead in  51st minute. Vargas gave lead after heading ball into back of net following a corner from Brandon Aguilera. Costa Rica team doubled lead eight minutes later, with US goalkeeper Zack Steffen making a mistake. 

goalkeeper made a mess of a free kick directed at him to concede possession in a dangerous area. Jewison Bennette drove in a low cross and Contreras bundled in finish from close range. That was last effort that Costa Rica had on goal, as y were unable to make inroads against a resolute USA defence.