El Salvador Keeps Gaining Confidence with a Victory Against Guatemala

El Salvador secured the Win on Saturday Night against their neighbors with a lone goal by Ezequiel Rivas

In a very intense game celebrated in Los Angeles at the home of the LA Galaxy, El Salvador played an international friendly against Guatemala, a rival that El Salvador struggled to win against in the group stage of the 2021 Gold Cup.

The first half began with difficulties for El Salvador, who faced intense pressure from the Guatemalan team led by Luis Fernando Tena. Guatemala tried to capitalize on El Salvador's mistakes in the exits, creating a close opportunity with a bicycle kick that Tomás Romero managed to deflect.

The result started to take shape when, in the 37th minute of the game, a header by Julio Sibrián after a cross by Alex Larín, but Panamanian referee Oliver Vergara disallowed the goal for a foul in the area in favor of Guatemala. At the end of the first half, Allen Yanes hit the crossbar, denying Guatemala the first goal.

During the second half, El Salvador returned to the field with all eyes on winning as the team demonstrated more aggressiveness and accuracy, with Ezequiel Rivas, Tereso Benítez, and Andrés Hernández finding the tactics to prevent Guatemala from scoring.

Dóniga made substitutions, and Jeremy Garay's entry brought dynamism to the match's final minutes. In the 83rd minute, after an outstanding performance, Ezequiel Rivas scored the winning goal with a shot that beat goalkeeper Kevin Moscoso and sealed the 1-0 for El Salvador.

Video Courtesy of Tigo Sports, El Salvador  

With this win, David Dóniga achieved his second victory as Head Coach of El Salvador since his arrival in January of this year.

El Salvador won for the first time against Guatemala since 2021, a three-year winless streak against its neighbor.