Source: Xinhuanet

06-21-2006 10:56

Paraguay beat Trinidad and Tobago 2-0 in their last World Cup Group B game as both sides ended their journey in FIFA's quadrennial event.

Paraguay beat Trinidad and Tobago 2-0 in their last World Cup Group B game on Tuesday as both sides ended their journey in FIFA's quadrennial event.

Paraguay, who lost to Sweden and England by identical scores of 1-0, collected three points and finished third in the group.

Trinidad and Tobago, who also lost to England 2-0 and drew Sweden 0-0, finished fourth with one point and was fourth in the group.

England and Sweden, who drew with each other 2-2 in the day's another game, qualified for the knockout stage as first and second placers.

Trinidad and Tobago, the smallest nation among the 32 participating countries and regions, should have got through to the next stage if they snatch a victory and Sweden lost to England at the same time. But an own goal in the 25th minute dashed their hopes.

Nelson Valdez got a head on a Robreto Acuna free kick and Trinidad and Tobago defender Brent Sancho directed the ball into their own goal.

Second half substitute Nelson Cuevas sealed the win for Paraguay in the 86th minute, which was a little harsh on the Trinidadians, who have been excellent in the half.

Leo Beenhakker said after the match: "It was an open match.

There were some possibilities for us to win, especially in the second half.

"It was a great experience for the players to be in this tournament. The experiences and confidence they built here will be very good for them in the future. They have shown that they can go with the best."

The Dutchman said that they are disappointed leaving the World Cup but he is proud of the players' performance.

"The players all worked very hard and they had a lot of passion. I cannot ask them more. I cannot blame the players.

Everybody was involved in the tournament and we can be proud of that. We can leave the tournament with pride."

Paraguay head coach Anibal Ruiz said: "We finally scored one win from the World Cup. This is a new-generation team for Paraguay and they will have a great future to build upon the success of the match."

 

Editor:Wang Ping