The All Whites face many challenges from Costa Rica to qualify for the 2022 World Cup, but none greater than star goalkeeper Keylor Navas.
The world-class shotstopper has been a stalwart for football giants Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) for the past three seasons and was a key figure for Real Madrid before that.
The 35-year-old was affectionately nicknamed 'Mr Save' by fans at Galacticos, where he won three Champions League titles.
He played more than 100 games for Madrid - the first non-Spanish player to do so - before his 2019 move to PSG.
Navas is known for his lightning quick reflexes and excellent shotstopping abilities. He also possesses great agility, speed and athleticism in goal, which helps him make up for the lack of height, standing at just 1.85m (6ft 1in).
His performances in important matches, where he has produced difficult saves at crucial times, has also earned him praise from media and fans. Navas is also one of only three players in the Costa Rica squad to ply their trade in Europe.
Australia's win over Peru in their intercontinental playoff only further highlights the importance of a goalkeeper on the world's biggest stage.
Both teams' goalkeepers kept a clean cheat for 120 minutes, before the game was decided on penalties. Socceroos substitute stopper Andrew Redmayne stepped up to save Peru's final penalty and clinch their spot at Qatar.
All Whites coach Danny Hay knows just how crucial Navas is to Costa Rica's cause and the sense of belief he instills in his teammates.
"One thing we know about Navas is that when he plays for Costa Rica, they almost grow another foot or two," he said. "They feel beyond defeat.
"He obviously gives them an extra dimension with his experience and quality. It's a great opportunity for us to play against somebody like that."
Hay expects a tight affair between two sides that will try and use their size to their advantage.
"We're expecting it to be a war early on. They're a big side, they're a strong side, they're a physical side.
"Central American and South American football is very different from what we are used to. We know the type of approach that they will bring to the fore as well.
"It's going to be a cagey affair, but it's definitely going to be a war as well, a real battle."
Join us at 6am Wednesday for live updates of the All Whites v Costa Rica Football World Cup playoff
