The Football War: 1969

El Salvador and Honduras are neighbours in Central America. In June 1969 they played each other to qualify for the 1970 World Cup. Honduras won the first game at home 1-0, but a week later El Salvador won the return match 3-0. As goal difference was not counted the two teams were level. A replay was organised in Mexico City.

Tense

They played the replay two weeks later in Mexico City. There was a very tense atmosphere. After a very exciting game the score was 2-2 at the end on normal time. In extra-time El Salvador scored a dramatic winning goal.

Almost immediately a war started between the two countries. It only lasted a few days but around three thousand people were killed.