World Cup England wins on Own Goal
Posted in Random Feed, Sports on June 10th, 2006An own goal from defender Carlos Gamarra proved enough for England to sneak past Group B opponent Paraguay, 1-0, Saturday at Frankfurt.
England secured the 1-0 lead four minutes into the match as Gamarra flicked in David Beckham’s curling free-kick. It was the first time in World Cup history that an own goal decided the outcome of a group match.
Paraguay then suffered its second blow of the game as starting goalkeeper Justo Villar injured his right leg in the 8th minute while attempting to clear a through ball. He was replaced by Libertad keeper Aldo Bobadilla.
Despite Paraguay’s efforts on goal in the second half, the South American team could not find the back of the net to tie the game.
Paraguay’s best opportunity came midway through the second half as England goalkeeper Paul Robinson parried Carlos Bonet’s cross into the path of Paraguay midfielder Carlos Paredes, who volleyed the ball over the net.
England head coach Sven-Goran Eriksson’s squad played a sluggish second half, but still had opportunities to double its lead.
In the 72nd minute, Chelsea midfielder Frank Lampard fired at the Paraguay net, testing Bobadilla, who tipped the ball over the bar. Lampard threatened Bobadilla again in the 88th minute, but the 30-year-old denied him as he tipped the ball around the post for a corner.
With three points, England takes the field against Group B contender Trinidad and Tobago June 15 at Nuremberg. Later that day, Paraguay will look to bounce back from its loss when it meets Sweden in Berlin.