The 2006 World Cup in Germany
A booksmusicfilmstv.com surreal take on the footie fest in Germany
Reports on all England's games: England 1 Paraguay 0 England 2 Trinidad & Tobago 0 England 2 Sweden 2 Ecuador 0 England 1 England 0 Portugal 0 Portugal win 3-1 on pens.
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England made an unimpressive start in their World Cup opener. They won the game through a superbly delivered David Beckham free kick, which induced the only goal of the game - off the head of unfortunate Paraguay defender Carlos Gamarra.

With the goal coming in only the fourth minute, and then Paraguay having to replace their goalkeeper, Justo Villar, a few minutes later, things were set up for England to make a big statement to the rest of the world. You really couldn't see Paraguay getting back into the game, but, of course, England don't like doing things easy.

Yes, it was a sweltering day, but there seemed a lack of skill in the England team. Without Wayne Rooney, watching England on this display was akin to watching paint dry. They were bright enough in the first half, but fell away badly. Frank Lampard had three good strikes on goal in the match, and David Beckham shot just wide in the first half, but there was little creativity - Joe Cole apart.

This was a game of two halves, and though Paraguay had lots of possession in the second half, it was only a rare fumble by England 'keeper Paul Robinson which caused England any real worries - a chance which Carlos Paredes blazed over. Paraguay's Nelson Valdez was the best player on the pitch, having boundless energy despite the heat, and he came closest for the South Americans with a shot just wide late in the first half. Main man Roque Santa Cruz, like Michael Owen for England, looked lacking in match sharpness after an injury lay-off.

England will have to hope for cooler conditions if they are to win this tournament. It's not the first time the heat has made them look pedestrian at a major finals. It's obviously more of a problem to English players with their more high tempo game.

- Paul Rance/booksmusicfilmstv.com.