Morientes swoops for Spain

Spain are usually panicking at this stage of the World Cup but for a change they are the first team through to the second round. There they could meet the Republic of Ireland and in 45 minutes yesterday one player demonstrated the danger he would pose to them.

When Fernando Morientes came on for the second half, Spain were losing 1-0 and doing their usual trick of making life hard for themselves. The Real Madrid striker responded with two goals to turn things around. His 16 strikes from 22 caps tell of a special talent.

Spain's coach Jose Camacho has admitted the biggest mistake he made at Euro 2000 was leaving Morientes out of his squad. He must feel that the best decision he has taken here was bringing him on.

Certainly Spain's ability to progress will depend on their performing as they did in the second half rather than the first. Their defence remains vulnerable to pace, their keeper Iker Casillas is not wholly convincing, and for 45 minutes they lacked rhythm. But Morientes ensured that was largely forgotten.

As in Spain's opening game against Slovenia, he replaced the disappointing Diego Tristan and gave the team a livelier presence, though this time his impact was far more profound. He added strength, greater pace, mobility and a more direct running style - central to Spain's improvement.

Tristan, so impressive for Deportivo La Coruna, has been Camacho's and the people's choice to start alongside Raul. But Morientes has stolen the position in fine fashion.

His first goal was headed in from a Javi de Pedro corner, the second bundled in from a cross by the same midfielder after a mistake by Jose Luis Chilavert. The Paraguay goalkeeper and captain had taunted Spain, but his team may struggle to reach the second phase now; they meet Slovenia on Wednesday.

With the attacking skill of Raul and Morientes, Spain have the potential to cover their weaknesses.

With De Pedro capable of delivering dangerous crosses, it makes sense to use the tall, powerful Morientes. De Pedro's pivotal second-half display included a neat flick from which Morientes should also have scored.

Camacho also deserves credit for introducing Ivan Helguera at half-time. Spain settled more in midfield with his presence and dominated a match which had threatened to elude them.

Paraguay had gone ahead early, courtesy of a Carles Puyol own-goal, and their 3-5-2 formation made it hard for Spain to find gaps through the centre. With De Pedro at that time offering little on the left flank they were largely stifled. During a brief spell in which they clicked, Raul was twice off target.

Enter Morientes, and inside 70 minutes Spain were ahead. Victory was confirmed when Raul was tugged to the floor by Carlos Paredes and Fernando Hierro scored from the spot.

SUBSTITUTES: Spain - I Helgera for Luis Enrique (46 mins), Xavi for Valeron (85 mins), Morientes for Tristan (46 mins). Paraguay - Struway for Caniza (78 mins), Campos for Cardozo (63 mins).

YELLOW CARDS: Spain - Baraja 9. Paraguay - Arce 44, Gavilan 60, Santa Cruz 80.