England win 1-0 against Paraguay

England struggled to a 1-0 win over Paraguay in their opening World Cup Group B match on Saturday after leading with 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 there was hardly any goal-mouth actions after that goal. If there was anybody who hoped that the second half would be an improvement, then it was a big disappointment.

The second half started off exactly like the first half for England (unable to find their rhythm) and Paraguay took the game to England 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.

This is really a pathetic match by England. I mean, this is supposed to be the DREAM TEAM, the strongest lineup in 40 years but look at how they played their first match. Unable to string more than three passes together without losing possession and making back passes most of the time, there was hardly any penetration or through balls from the midfielders, and the strikers have to drop down too far to help out in midfield which really blunted the attacks. Michael Owen especially seems to be taking a stroll in the park. Despite the array of stars, nobody seems to be able to turn up the magic, save for Lampard who make several good attempts.

The question for Soccer Pundit is if they struggle to break the defence of Paraguay, then how are they going to prise open the defence of other top contenders? If this is the style England is going to play with, then Sweden should have a good chance of making an upset and England can pack up and take an early flight home.