Sweden dominate Paraguay in goalless first half

BERLIN, June 15 (Reuters) Sweden had the better of a goalless first half against Paraguay in World Cup Group B today.

Sweden midfielder Kim Kallstrom went close in the ninth minute with a curling left-foot drive which goalkeeper Aldo Bobadilla tipped round the post.

Forwards Zlatan Ibrahimovic and Henrik Larsson were a constant threat to Paraguay's defence, even though neither had a meaningful shot on goal.

The Swedish defence, marshalled by captain Olof Mellberg, easily contained Paraguay forwards Roque Santa Cruz and Nelson Haedo Valdez.

REUTERS DH RAI0122