Guatemala (AP) – Harold Osorio scored late as he won 1-0 away Thursday over El Salvador in the first match of the final round of the Central America World Cup Qualifiers.
Osorio’s 79th minute goal was enough for the Salvadorians, looking to advance towards their first World Cup since 1982.
El Salvador leads Group A, avoiding three points, two of Panama and Suriname.
El Salvador aims for consecutive victories when they host Suriname the following Monday when Guatemala visits Panama.
The 12 teams, divided into three groups, are competing for three in-person spots from the regional qualifiers for next year’s World Cup. The US, Canada and Mexico are automatically qualified As a co-host for the World Cup.
In the previous CONCACAF World Cup Group A qualifying game, Panama retrieved a scoreless draw against Suriname.
“That was something I predicted in my analysis of Suriname and it was a crazy match with chance for both sides,” Panama manager Thomas Christiansen said. “We may win, but we have to recognize the possibilities they have.”
Panama was the first to finish 30th in FIFA and runner-up in the final Concacaf Nations league, but faced 136 No. Suriname in this qualifying round.
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