Suriname Stuns El Salvador with 2-1 Victory in World Cup Qualifiers
What a dramatic night it was at the Estadio Cuscatlán in San Salvador. The much-anticipated World Cup qualifying clash between El Salvador and Suriname had all the makings of a historic game, and it truly delivered. Fans had packed the stadium with high hopes, expecting La Selecta to defend their lead at the top of Group A. But instead, it was Suriname who walked away with the spotlight, clinching a massive 2-1 win on Salvadoran soil.
The match kicked off with intensity right from the opening whistle. El Salvador looked sharp in the opening minutes, trying to establish dominance in front of their home crowd. But it was Suriname who struck first. In the 14th minute, a well-executed team play was finished brilliantly by defender Kelvin Leerdam Balker, stunning the fans and giving the visitors an early 1-0 advantage. The stadium, which had been roaring, suddenly fell quiet.
Also Read:El Salvador attempted to fight back. Their attacks became more desperate, and at one point in the first half, they thought they had equalized, but the goal was disallowed. Suriname, meanwhile, showed discipline with 71% possession in the opening stages and continued to frustrate the home side. By halftime, the pressure was mounting on Hernán DarÃo Gómez’s men, who knew they had to adjust if they wanted to salvage the game.
The second half brought more urgency from El Salvador. The team pushed forward with everything they had, urged on by their passionate supporters. In the 77th minute, their persistence finally paid off. A goal from La Selecta leveled the score at 1-1, and the stadium exploded back into life. At that point, it seemed momentum had shifted, and many believed El Salvador would complete the comeback.
But Suriname had other plans. With the clock ticking down, Denzel Dumfries—who had been lively all night—produced a spectacular finish in the 86th minute. His strike silenced the crowd yet again, sealing what would be the winning goal. Despite El Salvador’s late push in stoppage time, the visitors held firm and secured the victory.
This result was more than just three points—it was historic. Suriname had not beaten El Salvador since 1968, and after 57 years without a win, they finally broke the streak. The victory also propelled them to the top of Group A, shaking up the qualifying picture for the 2026 World Cup. For El Salvador, it was a bitter disappointment, especially considering their strong start to the campaign with a win over Guatemala just days earlier.
Looking at the bigger picture, this match will be remembered as a statement performance by Suriname. They were organized, patient, and clinical when it mattered most. For El Salvador, the loss serves as a reminder that history counts for little when the ball starts rolling. Now, both teams will look ahead to their next fixtures, but the story of this night belongs to Suriname—an underdog that refused to be denied.
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