After 12 years in the wilderness, El Salvador returned to the World Cup their first appearance since 1970. Mauricio Rodríguez was the man tasked with guiding them back.
It was a tournament to forget for El Salvador, who left without a single victory to their name. Goals proved hard to come by, with just 1 in 3 matches, and their lack of firepower ultimately told.
El Salvador found the group stage unforgiving, unable to pick up a single victory against their opponents. Their campaign featured a heavy 1-10 defeat to Hungary, a narrow 0-1 loss to Belgium, and a 0-2 defeat against Argentina. The World Cup dream ended earlier than hoped, with El Salvador bowing out in the first round.
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1scored13conceded
Lost all 3 matches conceded 13 goals in 3 matches.
Luis Ramírez Zapata led El Salvador's attack with 1 goal at the 1982 World Cup.
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1.7per match
Osorto booked twice.
The tactical mind behind El Salvador's 1982 campaign. Winless under Rodríguez leading El Salvador at his first World Cup.
El Salvador employed a traditional formation with limited attacking flair. Their lack of depth and midfield control hindered their ability to pose a threat against more established teams.
