Salvadoran Soccer Star Says He’s Ready For U.S. Mls Play Prepares Players For Crucial World Cup Qualifier

Raul Diaz Arce, El Salvador’s top scorer, intends to play in Sunday’s World Cup qualifier against the United States despite a nagging sprained left ankle.

“There are no excuses,” said Diaz Arce, second in Major League Soccer with nine goals this season. “I can give 100 percent even if there is some pain.”

Three nations from soccer’s North and Central American and Caribbean region will qualify for next summer’s World Cup in France. Mexico (3-0-2) leads the six-team final round with 11 points, followed by Costa Rica (2-2-1), which has seven points.

The United States (1-1-2) has five points, in a three-way tie with Canada (1-2-2) and Jamaica (1-2-2). El Salvador (1-2-1) is last with four points.

U.S. forward Eric Wynalda will miss the game after reinjuring a groin in an exhibition game against Israel on June 17. The Americans arrived in San Salvador on Friday night after training in Miami during the week.

Expecting a hostile crowd, the U.S. State Department issued a warning to Americans saying there may be dangerous conditions at Cuscatlan Stadium and prohibited employees from the U.S. embassy from attending.

Several El Salvador players are in MLS, including Diaz Arce (D.C. United), Mauricio Cienfuegos (Los Angeles Galaxy), Ronald Cerritos (San Jose Clash) and Jorge Rodriguez (Dallas Burn).

That means they’re familiar with most of the American lineup.

“Our players know every detail of the U.S. team,” said El Salvador coach Molivan Djoric, who is banned from the field for his team’s next two games by FIFA.

Cienfuegos said he expects tight coverage of him by American defenders.

“I’m prepared,” he said. “It’s better for me because I’m used to getting out from under coverage.”