England trumped Paraguay, as expected, but not in the fashion anyone would have anticipated. The big losers in this match were not the Paraguayans, but the viewers. Sometimes a soccer game is just a dud, and this was one of those games. England looked flat and, despite controlling possession, was unable to mount any real convincing attacks. Their only goal came off a Paraguayan defender's head from a Beckham freekick. Instead, the Brits spend most of the match blasting errant shots 30 rows up into the bleachers. I'm willing to chalk this lame performance up to opening match jitters, because I am expecting far better from England.
Paraguay, for their part, showed no skill, flair or determination, only a determination to take dives and roll around in pretend agony. Midfielder Carlos Paredes was the biggest culprit, including one shameful display where he fell, got up, then decided to fall over again. It was a performance worthy of, if not an Oscar, at least a yellow card. Eric Cantona would not have been impressed. Paraguay now joins Mexico on my list of teams to root against.
Goal scorers:
Carlos Gamarra (3', OG), Paraguay (1-0)
Man of the Match: Mexican referee Marco RodrÃguez for his immovable hair helmet.
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