Hot Own Goal Gives England Three Points

England vs Paraguay
Frankfurt

Prince William arrived in Frankfurt to meet the English players before they kicked-off their 2006 World Cup campaign. Forty years after his Mother, Queen Elizabeth II presented the World Cup to England captain, Bobby Moore the young Prince is probably hoping that David Beckham will bring the trophy back to Buckingham Palace next month.

Paraguay kicked-off from right to left and gave goalkeeper, Justo Villar an early touch of the ball.

He had another touch within three minutes, to pick the ball out of the net, as David Beckham's enticing free-kicked was flicked into his own goal by Paraguay captain, Carlos Gamarra (1:0).

Things went from bad to worse, a few minutes later, as the Paraguayan keeper was forced to leave the pitch after sliding out to make a challenge but not seeming to connect with anyone.

Cristian Riveros forced a save from Paul Robinson in the 18th minute as Steven Gerrard went into Marco Rodriguez' book for a late challenge; the Mexican likes his whistle.

Actions during the rest of the half almost silenced the crowd as both sides produced their fair share of physical challenges.

While England didn't allow Paraguay to get any playing rhythm going, the English didn't make the most of their own movement on the wings either; by over-hitting their crosses.

Then, with four minutes added on, Nelson Valdez came inches from sending Paraguay into the dressing room at half-time on level terms.

Half-time: (1:0).

England got the second-half under way and spent the first part of it sitting a little too deep; almost allowing Paraguay to play themselves back into the game.
And the longer the half wore on, the more stretched they looked.

The England fans, tiring of the lack of attacking threat England posed to Paraguay, started a small chant for "Rooney, Rooney."

Then Stewart Downing ran on to David Beckham's pass to line Frank Lampard up for a 'Teamgeister'.

Even a chorus of the National Anthem, in the last 10 minutes, failed to spark life into England's midfield engine room. The second-half totally controlled by Paraguay.

Any time added on here is like a prison sentence.

England get the three points but they won't have won many neutral fans over.

Final Score:
England 1 - Paraguay 0

Teams
England: (Captain David Beckham)1 Paul Robinson; 3 Ashley Cole, 5 Rio Ferdinand, 2 Gary Neville, 6 John Terry; 7 David Beckham, 11 Joe Cole, 4 Steven Gerrard, 8 Frank Lampard; 21 Peter Crouch, 10 Michael Owen.

Paraguay: (Captain Carlos Gamarra)1 Justo Villar; 5 Julio Cesar Caceres, 21 Denis Caniza, 4 Carlos Gamarra, 3 Delio Toledo; 10 Roberto Acuna, 6 Carlos Bonet, 13 Carlos Paredes, 16 Cristian Riveros; 9 Roque Santa Cruz, 18 Nelson Valdez.

Referee:Marco Rodriguez (Mexico)

Our Man of The Match:
Carlos Gamarra, for breaking the deadlock with a sublime header into his own net and unwittingly giving England the three points they're so proud about.