Soccer: Hard yards for Spain

Under-achievers Spain tip their toes into the opening round when they play Slovenia in Gwagju tomorrow night.

The match is crucial for the Spaniards, who repeatedly fail to deliver when they get to soccer's biggest stage.

They are expected to progress from group B to the knockout stage, but the real interest in the group is likely to focus on who will join them.

In the other group game tomorrow night, Paraguay meet South Africa in Busan.

The match marks the entry of controversial Paraguayan goalkeeper and captain Jose Luis Chilavert.

The 36-year-old, who has scored more than 50 goals in his career, is lucky to be playing - a four-game ban for spitting at Brazilian defender Roberto Carlos was reduced by one.

Chilavert conceded just two goals in 386 minutes during the 1998 World Cup and was named the tournament's top keeper.

- REUTERS

nzherald.co.nz/fifaworldcup

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