Vera gives Paraguay 1-0 lead over Slovakia after 60 minutes in World Cup Group F match

Paraguay leads Slovakia 1-0 after 60 minutes

BLOEMFONTEIN, South Africa — Paraguay leads Slovakia 1-0 after 60 minutes of their Group F match at the World Cup on Sunday.

The dominant Paraguayans broke through in the 27th minute when midfielder Enrique Vera ran onto Lucas Barrios’ pass and angled a shot into the bottom left corner of the net.

Slovakia struggled to contain Paraguay’s three-man forward line of Barrios, Nelson Valdez and Roque Santa Cruz in the first half at Free State Stadium. Getting his first start in the tournament, Santa Cruz was twice denied by busy Slovakia goalkeeper Jan Mucha.

Cristian Riveros also hit a 19th-minute shot straight at Mucha.

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