Carlos Ruiz capped off his international career in style with five goals in Guatemala’s 9-3 win over St. Vincent and the Grenadines in CONCACAF World Cup qualifying play.
Ruiz, who announced his international retirement on Monday, scored five times in his swansong to bring his all-time international tally to 68 goals in 133 appearances. The 36-year-old tallied a hat trick in the first half and then added a brace in the second half before exiting the match in the 88th minute.
With his five goals on Tuesday, Ruiz became the all-time leading goal scorer in FIFA World Cup qualifying with 38 career goals, surpassing Iranian legend Ali Daei’s mark of 35.
#VamosGuate#GraciasPescadito asà fue el último recorrido de Carlos Ruiz sobre el césped del Doroteo Guamuch Flores pic.twitter.com/nxufBV5Ezd
— Deportes Publinews (@Deportes_PN) September 7, 2016
LA Galaxy II defender Jefrey Payeras earned his third career appearance in the match, going 90 minutes in the victory. Despite the win, Guatemala were eliminated from contention for the 2018 World Cup with the United States' victory over Trinidad and Tobago.
