BLOEMFONTEIN, South Africa (AFP) — 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 knockout 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, 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: “What’s left now is to make it to the round of 16. 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 to boost the team’s goal difference.

Man-of-the match Vera said Paraguay’s aim was to top their group.

“We know we’re getting closer but we know also that we must go on working and our intention is to be first in the group,” he said.

Manchester City forward Roque Santa Cruz, who played as part of a front three in an adventurous formation, said the current side were the best in the country’s history.

“It’s the best team Paraguay has ever had. We’ve been playing together for years. We’re very experienced and mentally strong,” he said.

“Paraguay have never been in the quarter-finals. This is our goal and when we’ve reached that, everything’s possible,” he added.

“We’ve beaten Brazil and Argentina, two of the best teams in the world. That’s shows everything’s possible.”

The South Americans, in their fourth straight finals, came into the tournament in great shape after beating Brazil and Argentina on the road to South Africa.

Paraguay, who have never progressed beyond the second round, are dedicating their games to Salvador Cabanas, the 2007 South American footballer of the year who was shot in the head in the toilet of a Mexico City bar in January. He survived, but is on a long road to recovery.

Slovakia are on just one point after an opening draw against New Zealand and still have Italy to play.