Paraguay fancy opening victory against England

OBERHACHING, Germany, June 5 (Reuters) Paraguay are a more skilful team than in the past and could win their opening World Cup match against England to help them to the second round of the tournament, players and the coach said today.

Speaking at the end of their first training session near Munich, Paraguay coach Anibal Ruiz said he has carefully studied the English team and fancies his team's chances against them.

''We will, of course, show them the respect they deserve but I am confident about the match,'' Ruiz said.

''We have illusions, great expectations and hopes. We believe we can beat them because we have studied them well,'' he said.

Ruiz said he was happy to see some players who had nursed injuries or were out of action back in full training.

''I am happy Roque Santa Cruz is also in full training.'' Striker Santa Cruz missed most of the Bundesliga season after undergoing an operation on his right knee and has recently been hit by tendonitis in the same joint.

''I'm feeling good and so does the team. The England game is the most difficult but it is necessary for us to play them so we can test our strength,'' Santa Cruz said.

Captain Carlos Gamarra said his team had become more skilful over the past years and they would prove it in the match against England on Saturday.

''It's a tough match but Paraguay can win if they play intelligently,'' Gamarra said.

''Paraguay have traditionally played rough football but now we have more skills so we can go into the second round.

''I think we will surprise a lot of people,'' the captain said.

Drawn in Group B, Paraguay also play Sweden and Trinidad&Tobago in the first round.

Reuters PM GC1756