 In 2010 FIFA World Cup qualification El Salvador was drawn against Anguilla in a two – leg home – and – away knockout format , winning 12 – 0 and 0 – 4 to easily advance . In the next round , La Selecta was drawn against Panama . Despite being considered underdogs , the team prevailed , reversing a 0 – 1 away loss with a 3 – 1 home win . In the third round , the format changed to a home – and – away round – robin group stage . They were drawn against Costa Rica , Haiti , and Suriname . They finished second in the group and advanced alongside Costa Rica to the final round , " The Hexagonal " . Despite some promising initial results , such as drawing the United States and winning against Mexico , El Salvador eventually finished in fifth place and was eliminated . Rudis Corrales was the team 's top goalscorer in qualification with 8 goals . 
