We are getting closer to our objective: Paraguay coach

Paraguay are eyeing top spot in their group after overpowering a lacklustre Slovakia 2-0 in Bloemfontein yesterday to edge closer to the World Cup knock-out phases.

A first-half goal from Enrique Vera and a late strike from Cristian Riveros were just reward for the attack-minded South Americans, who dominated the encounter in Free State stadium.

Paraguay who drew 1-1 with defending world champions Italy in their Cape Town opener ufffd are on four points with only Group F minnows New Zealand still to play.

Delighted coach Gerardo Martino told reporters his team had controlled the match against Slovakia, adding: "We are getting closer to our objective to make it to the final rounds. "I think these results first have strengthened us mentally, spiritually not just as football players but in our attitude," he added.

He said Paraguay had been able to create "goalscoring opportunities through pure pressure" but that he would have liked to have scored more goals.