England Vs Paraguay - World Cup Report
Last updated : 10 June 2006 By Smallsy
With seemingly the whole country talking about the England football team, the time for verbal's off the field ended as England lead by David Beckham took on South American side Paraguay in their first World Cup game of Germany 2006.
Starting as the meant to go on England held some early possession and were awarded a free kick fourty yeards from goal. In trademark fashion Madrid Galactico David Beckham swung in a dangerous cross which was headed into his own net by a retreading Carlos Gamara to give England an excellent start to their campaign.
Seemingly stung by the early shock the Paraguains seemed uneasy under England pressure and began defending in numbers to hold off an onslaught. Their task become more difficult when number one goalkeeper Villar, who's only touch was to pick the ball out of the net was withdrawn after damaging a shin in a challenge with Michael Owen.
The replacement goalkeeper Bobadilla was called into early action by England midfielder Frank Lampard who had two excellent strikes from the edge of the area, requiring smart saves from the number two stopper.
England looked to hold onto what they had and despite going forward with waves of possession failed to create very little in the form of scoring chances. Industrious on the left Joe Cole cut inside several times but his wayward crosses failed to find Crouch or Owen, similarily the England capitain's pinpoint crosses from the right were well defended by the Paraguay back four who resisted their superior opponents any way they could.
Just before half time the danger of a one goal lead was shown when Ashley Cole slipped over when delivering a pass, was robbed by Bonet who swung in a good cross, despite an intervention from Steven Gerrard, Paredes was able to find a way to strike a volley cleanly which went just wide of Robinson's goal, a timely reminder to England that they needed to see of Paraguay in the second half.
The second goal was not forthcoming and Paraguay held onto possession well in the the opening stages, Paredes and the young Nelson Valdez testing Robinson with outstanding shots. The Tottenham keeper was really made to work when a cross from the right came in and made it's way out of the edge of the area where Acuna looked to hit a spectacular volley, however a challenge from Robinson was forthcoming and the midfielder placed his shot far too high.
England dug in despite the heat and looked to hold onto what they had brining on Stuart Downing and placing Joe Cole just behind Peter Crouch, a ploy which did work in bring Cole more into the game after isolation on the left. However when he was withdrawn and replaced by Hargreaves it looked as if England were satisfied with a one nil scoreline.
Despite heavy Paraguay pressure they never threated Robinson directly and the Three Lions began their World Cup campaign with a win for the first time since 1982. A performance and result which would have pleased Sven but without doubt once more raised questions regarding the England squad and their strength in depth.
