World Cup Report 1, Day 2

After the first day's goal hemorrhage of eight in two games, day two saw a return to tight low scoring affairs as group B opened.

England - Paraguay

Everything looked good for Sven's Men as Beckham opened the scoring in the 4th minute on a free kick (it was technically ruled an own goal as the ball glanced off the Paraguayan captain's head before crossing the line, though it would have been a goal even if it hadn't), but that would be the total of goals come full time. In reality, it was a fairly tight affair, though neither team looked particularly comfortable. England did have a few decent opportunities, though Lampard seemed to be the only capable of seriously challenging the Paraguayan keeper. English super-striker Michael Owen, still recovering from an injury was replaced at 55 minutes, but did look more comfortable at times than in the pre-tournament warm ups. Overall, the England squad got the 3 points, but still have some work to do.

Sweden - Trinidad & Tobago

Before the opening of the tournament Ladbrokes had T&T at 2000-1 odds of winning the cup. T&T, in fact, is the smallest country to ever qualify for the finals. Sweden, meanwhile, was seen as 30-1 against winning it all. It is a testament, then, to how unpredictable the World Cup can be that T&T played Sweden to a nil-nil draw. More impressive, T&T went down to 10 men early in the second half after a second yellow card to Avery John. Big props to T&T keeper Shaka Hislop, a late addition to the starting squad, as he was unflappable during the 90 bombarding from the Swedes. This is a serious blow to the Swedes, considered by many to easily advance with England out of the group. Now, with T&T and Sweden even on points (and Paraguay only down 1 point, and 1 goal on differential), it's pretty much open on who may advance with England.

Today also opens up Group C, which should be tightly contested, with Argentina and Ivory Coast.

For all you in Sam's Army, Monday at noon we will see the US open up against the Czech Republic. The cheese is saying it now, the US will have a very difficult time making it to the knockout phase, but if they do it won't be a huge surprise.