World Cup: England Bests Paraguay Using an Own-Goal

England won — and didn't even score a goal.

Carlos Gamarra Photo Courtesy: worldcup.com

FRANKFURT, Germany - Unable to find the net on its own, England used an own-goal for an early lead and held on to beat Paraguay 1-0 Saturday in the World Cup.

It was not pretty, and the English were helped by Paraguay's reluctance to attack. Still, it was a victory that will have England's boisterous fans celebrating — at least until its next match.

England got a perfect start when Paraguay captain Carlos Gamarra headed David Beckham's curling free kick into his own net in the fourth minute. That was the only time the ball found the net, but it was enough to secure England's first opening-match win in a major tournament since the 1998 World Cup.

Things got worse for Paraguay two minutes later when goalkeeper Justo Villar hurt his right leg while sliding forward to clear the ball. He limped off in tears, replaced by Aldo Bobadilla.

England dominated the first half, then went flat in the second, its rhythm disrupted by a renewed vigor from Paraguay. The South Americans missed a great chance — about their only chance — to score when goalkeeper Paul Robinson punched Carlos Bonet's cross back into play and Carlos Paredes volleyed the ball over the unguarded net midway through the second half.

"It was very hot today, but I'm nonetheless pleased with the result," England coach Sven-Goran Eriksson said. "We had problems keeping the ball, but anyhow, it's three points."

England had several first-half chances to increase its lead, in particular Frank Lampard's powerful long-range shot that Bobadilla parried. Another Beckham shot which went just wide.

Lampard had a late opportunity, but Bobadilla pushed the midfielder's powerful shot over the crossbar with one hand.

England also had chances with rebounds, but couldn't find the range.

Paraguay's other best chance came in first-half injury time when Nelson Valdez's shot went just wide.

The match was played in bright sunshine with about two-thirds of the stadium's 48,000 seats filled with England fans who sang and chanted but were on their best behavior. Thousands more England fans watched on big screens around the city.

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