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England ease past Paraguay
10/06/2006: England opened their World Cup 2006 campaign with a deary 1-0 victory over Paraguay in Frankfurt.
Boring it might have been but the Three Lions earned a valuable three points against an organised but unimaginative Paraguay side.
A first half own goal by Carlos Gamarras from a David Beckham free kick settled the game with the poor defender turning in the goal within the first five minutes.
In searing heat England played a contained game in the second half which was not easy to watch but ensured that a win over the poor Trinidad and Tobago in their next game should see automatic qualification for the second phase of the tournament.
The travelling supporters had little to sing about but still managed a few choruses of Three Lions, Land of Hope and Glory and England till I die.
Sven-Goran Eriksson was pleased with the victory but hopeful his side can perform better in their other group games.
Asked whether England might perform to a better standard in their game against Trinidad, Eriksson said: "and Tobago?.
"You always try to do better but I'm happy today. We can play much better but I'm happy.
"We started the tournament with three points and it's very important."
Playing in conditions more conducive to Latin American football England controlled themselves well realising the importance of conserving energy over a five-week tournament.
"Maybe we suffered a lot. I think this was a real hot, hot day and I think that knocked us in the second half," Eriksson added.
"But most important was the result today, we were suffering but it's a very good start."
Michael Owen came off the field early in the second half with Eriksson revealing the decision was tactical rather than a problem with the Newcastle midfielder.
With Owen withdrawn, the Swede sent on Stewart Downing with the winger playing on the left-hand side with Joe Cole, the star of the first-half, moved more centrally.
"I thought we were finding it difficult to keep the ball so I tried to have a player who could link the ball up a little," said Eriksson.
"Joe Cole did very well.
"I think it got better at the end."
Eriksson refuted the claim that Owen's removal caused England to stagnate in their first game of World Cup 2006.
He added: "No, I think we lost rhythm, I think we started the second half poorly."
In other World Cup news Togo's debut appearance in the World Cup lay in tatters after German coach Otto Pfister sensationally resigned over a pay dispute.
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