- September, 09 2009 -
|
||||||
SAN SALVADOR – A dramatic late goal by Rudis Corrales lifted El Salvador to a 1-0 win over stuttering Costa Rica in a CONCACAF World Cup qualifier Wednesday night at the Estadio Cuscatlan.
The victory gave the home side three valuable points, keeping alive its hopes of a place next year in South Africa. Costa Rica has now failed to score in three-consecutive games, all defeats.
Corrales, who leads El Salvador with 8 goals in qualifying, scored his first in the competition since a 3-1 loss to Costa Rica in San Salvador on November 19, 2008. The 29-year-old forward beat Costa Rican goalkeeper Ricardo Gonzalez with a rocket from the right side of the box one minute into second-half stoppage time.
The visitors slightly had the better of play in the first half, but the Cuscatlecos had the best chance. Christian Castillo struck a brilliant bicycle kick in the 34th minute that was barely tipped by Gonzalez.
The home side had additional scoring opportunities in the second half, as Castillo had a ball cleared off the line in the 68th minute and Gonzalez did well to save two attempts by Arturo Alvarez.
El Salvador, which remains in fifth-place on eight points, next plays at Mexico on October 10. Costa Rica sits in fourth-place with 12 points and will host eliminated Trinidad & Tobago on the same day.
