El Salvador 0-0 Puerto Rico

El Salvador started the road to the 2026 World Cup in a bad way: leaving a poor image, with a goalless draw against Puerto Rico. At the same time, it is the 23rd game without winning. On Sunday they visit Saint Vincent and the Grenadines.

In the first twenty minutes of the game, the fouls exceeded the chances on goal by ten. There was only one approach on the part of the Puerto Ricans, who stopped in Cuscatlán without any complexes, with character and decision.

While, on the part of the Salvadorans, nerves and anxiety were perceived, starting with coach David Dóniga, who on several occasions left his technical area to speed up the game.

During this period they did not exceed the last third of the field and logically there were no attempts on the Caribbean goal.

It was until 22 minutes, in a ball that Bryan Tamacas recovered, surpassed two marks and put in a cross, which cut the rival defense, until it reached Darwin Cerén, who finished off wide. Three minutes later, in a similar situation, Christian Martínez hit the ball against the crossbar.

Both situations were regretted, but they also woke up the public, who had been silent. The match was also even, the Selecta began to have a greater arrival, but without any direct shot at goal. Something that came to the end of this time.

The Salvadoran team left booed by the fans, supported by the coach of Puerto Rico, Charlie Troth, who encouraged them by raising his hands.

For the second half, the variants arrived, first Jairo Henríquez, for Climaco. Shortly after, Julio Sibrián and Francis Castillo arrived, who was making his debut, movements with which the coach experimented to improve in attack.

But there was no understanding and only one shot by Javier Fermán caused danger. This caused anxiety and nervousness to turn into despair both on the field and outside, on the bench and in the stands.

El Salvador Salvador, in disarray, ended up putting pressure on Puerto Rico, who also defended themselves as best they could. Thus came the end, amid much regret.