Spain v Paraguay
Live coverage of Spain's Group D encounter with Paraguay from the Stade Geoffroy-Guichard in St Etienne (kickoff8pm).
Spain have qualified for the last six World Cup finals without ever advancing beyond the quarter-finals. However, this is probably a better side than they have ever fielded before and, while Group D is a difficult one, Spain have every chance of coming through the group stage and making a significant impact on the tournament. Strong and - experienced in defence, Spain are unlikely to concede many goals, and will be hoping that players such as Fernando Morientes can provide the necessary attacking impetus.
Morientes enjoyed a remarkable debut for his country, scoring twice against Sweden in the first five minutes of his international football career.
Paraguay coach Paulo Cesar
Carpegiani believes that it is to his team's advantage that many of the players tend to pursue their careers outside their native country, reasoningthat if they were all performing in the domestic league only, Paraguay would have little chance of success. So far he has been proved correct, as Paraguay were the surprise qualifiers for France, inspired by the likes of midfielder Roberto Acuna , who plays for Real Zaragoza in Spain.
This match will be followed by brief highlights from the crucial Group D clash between Nigeria and Bulgaria. The corresponding match ended in a 3-0 win to
Nigeria when the two teams met at the last World Cupfinals.
Introduced by Desmond Lynam , with Alan Hansen and Martin O'Neill. Commentary by Barry Davies and Trevor Brooking.