Sport in El Salvador
El Salvador literally means "The Savior," and for many people, it appears to be just that. It is both the smallest and most densely populated country in Central America. Football is the most popular sport in El Salvador, as it is in the rest of the Americas. Their national football team had qualified for the FIFA World Cups in 1970 and 1982.
Their qualification for the 1970 tournament was quite interesting due to what was dubbed the "Football War" with Honduras, whom they defeated. One of their most well-known players is Jorge "El Magico" Gonzalez, who is not only well-known in El Salvador but is also regarded as one of the best Central American football players in history. Gonzalez' partner in leading the national team to the 1982 World Cup was Jaie "La Chelona" Rodriguez.
El Salvadorians also enjoy basketball and boxing. El Salvador has sent athletes to the Summer Olympics since 1968, when they were held in Mexico City. They did not compete in the 1976 and 1980 Games, which were held in Montreal and Moscow, respectively. They then competed in the Olympic Games until the 2012 London Games. El Salvadorans have competed in 118 Olympic Games but have yet to win an Olympic medal.
