Spain happy to progress

Spain became the first side to qualify for the second round of the World Cup after supersub Fernando Morientes steered them to a 3-1 victory over Paraguay.

Morientes came off the bench for the second half with Spain 1-0 behind thanks to Carles Puyol’s own goal, and his appearance had the desired effect.

He netted twice before Fernando Hierro converted a late penalty to seal a 3-1 success - their second successive win in Group B.

Spanish coach Jose Antonio Camacho said: ‘‘I am very pleased to have qualified so early as it gives us more time to prepare for next phase of the competition.

‘‘It means I can now rest some players against South Africa and give an opportunity to some others.

‘‘We needed more power in attack and that is why I brought on Morientes, but the idea is not for the team to play just three games in the competition and he will get his chance.’’

Paraguay’s coach Cesare Maldini was impressed by the strength and skill of Spain. He said: ‘‘Of course I knew all about them and that they have players such as Raul, Morientes and Hierro, who have just won the Champions League with Real Madrid, but all the same they looked very strong.

‘‘They are a very skilful, very experienced group of players and with that quality they have the chance to go very far in this competition.

‘‘As for us, we can still qualify - if we beat Slovenia then there’s still a good chance we can go through to the next phase.’’

Morientes said: ‘‘I hadn’t played in a while but I had more chances than I expected and my will to win was stronger than ever.

‘‘I scored two great goals and now we have gone through to the round of 16. It has been a good day.’’