El Salvador, disappointed with CONCACAF referees

El Salvador faced a crucial three-game international break in their aspirations to return to a World Cup for the first time since 1982, but it was not going to be an easy task. They resumed action in the qualifying round-robin tournament in CONCACAF going on the road to face the United States and lost 1-0.

El Salvador disappointed with the VAR

They continued on the road against Honduras and won 2-0, which left them needing a draw or a win against Canada to keep their hopes up. ‘Los Cuscatlecos’ hosted Les Rouges at the Estadio Cuscatlan, but couldn’t obtain the result they wanted. The game was tied 0-0 when, in the 64th minute, Bryan Tamacas was tackled inside the box by Tajon Buchanan but referee Armando Villarreal, from the United States, decided not to check the foul with VAR.

Play continued and two minutes later Alan Hutchinson scored the first goal of the game for the visiting side. El Salvador went full offense in search of a goal that would tie the match while Canada took advantage of their desperation. In stoppage time, Jonathan David made it 2-0 to give Les Rouges three points and remain unbeaten.

“I accept my defeat and I want to congratulate Canada because they will qualify. But I have a doubt. If we have the VAR available, then why don't they check the play. I don't like to complain, but I see the play now when Buchanan fouls Tamacas and it is clear. If the referee didn't see it that way that is OK, but where is VAR? That is not fair and CONCACAF disappoints me,” said the manager of El Salvador Hugo Perez after the game.

El Salvador is currently in sixth place with nine points and three games left in the round-robin tournament. They need a miracle to qualify in fourth place - Costa Rica is one position ahead of them but with 16 points. In the next international window in March, ‘Los Cuscatlecos’ will play against Jamaica, Costa Rica and Mexico.