England start with hard-fought win over Paraguay

FRANKFURT, June 10 (Reuters) England ground out a 1-0 win over Paraguay in their opening World Cup Group B match today after failing to capitalise on an early own goal.

Paraguayan skipper Carlos Gamarra deflected a David Beckham free-kick past his own goalkeeper Justo Villar after only three minutes, but although England dominated the rest of the first half they failed to score again.

Paraguay took the game to England in the second half but failed to seriously test England goalkeeper Paul Robinson.

England were largely content to soak up Paraguay's pressure for long periods, and their only real goal attempts in the second half came from two Frank Lampard shots.

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