Guatemala City, Sep 5 (AP) – In a tense clash, Harold Osorio emerged as the hero for El Salvador by scoring a late goal to clinch a 1-0 victory over Guatemala in the initial match of the final phase of Central America's World Cup qualifiers.
Osorio struck decisively in the 79th minute on Thursday, securing a crucial win for the Salvadoran side, which aims to make its first World Cup appearance since Spain in 1982.
This win puts El Salvador atop Group A, holding three points, two points ahead of Panama and Suriname.
El Salvador will look to continue its winning momentum when it welcomes Suriname next Monday, while Guatemala is set to travel to face Panama.
The regional competition sees twelve teams divided into three groups, each aspiring to secure one of the three direct spots available for next year's World Cup.
The qualification race doesn't involve the United States, Canada, and Mexico, as they have already secured their spots automatically by being World Cup co-hosts.
Earlier in the CONCACAF World Cup Group A qualifiers, Panama managed to pull off a scoreless draw against Suriname.
Panama's coach, Thomas Christiansen, reflected on the game, saying, “It unfolded as I anticipated in my analysis of Suriname. It was a chaotic match with opportunities for both teams.”
He added, “While we had our chances to win, it's equally important to acknowledge the opportunities they had.”
This marked the inaugural encounter at this stage of qualifying between Panama, ranked 30th by FIFA and the recent runner-up in the CONCACAF Nations League, and No. 136 ranked Suriname.
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