Vera gives Paraguay 1-0 halftime lead over Slovakia in Group F match at World Cup

Paraguay leads Slovakia 1-0 at halftime

BLOEMFONTEIN, South Africa — Paraguay has controlled the tempo and leads Slovakia 1-0 at halftime in their Group F match at the World Cup.

The Paraguayans broke through in the 27th minute when Enrique Vera met Lucas Barrios’ pass with a one-time shot.

Playing with a three-man forward line, Paraguay possessed the ball early and striker Roque Santa Cruz had his deflected third minute shot saved by Jan Mucha.

Slovakia’s clearest opening came from a 37th minute corner but defender Kornel Salata headed over the crossbar.

Santa Cruz then found space six minutes before halftime but he was thwarted by Mucha’s right foot.