The Soccer War, 40 Years Later
El Salvador and Honduras will square off today in an international qualifier match for the 2010 FIFA World Cup in South Africa. Almost 40 years ago, the two nations became embroiled in a five day war in which 5,000 people were killed — sparked at least in part by two violent soccer matches. Tensions this time will be felt solely on the pitch. Both sides desperately need a win to qualify for the world’s largest soccer tournament.
Check out the Polish journalist Ryszard Kapuscinski’s classic work The Soccer War here.
UPDATE: Honduras narrowly defeated El Salvador in the win, reviving their hopes of qualifying for the 2010 FIFA World Cup. Thankfully, the war never left the field at this game. Read the match report here.
