Paraguay outclass tame Slovakia in Group F

BLOEMFONTEIN - Paraguay outclassed a tame Slovakia 2-0 Sunday to score their first victory in the footbal World Cup and keep alive their hopes of reaching the knock-out stage.

Midfielder Enrique Vera opened the scoring in the first half and Cristian Riveros settled the match four minutes from time in front of a crowd of 26,600 at Bloemfontein’s Free State Stadium.

The victory lifted the South Americans to the top of Group F, ahead of Thursday afternoon’s other game in the group between New Zealand and defending champions Italy.