DORTMUND, June 10: Trinidad & Tobago made a magnificent World Cup finals debut on Saturday when they held Sweden to a goalless draw despite playing with 10 men for almost all the second half of their opening Group B game.

The Caribbean islanders, made up largely of players from the lower divisions of the English league, worked tirelessly to hold off their vastly more experienced opponents in the second game in the group.

Under a boiling sun in front of almost 64,000 fans, Trinidad matched the Europeans even after defender Avery John was sent off just 35 seconds into the second half.

It was a remarkable performance by a team who qualified for the finals for the first time after beating Bahrain in a playoff while Sweden are notable tournament performers.

Sweden’s next game is on Thursday against Paraguay.

A FIFA spokesman said the first own goal of the World Cup, scored by Paraguay captain Carlos Gamarra, could be credited to England skipper David Beckham after a video review. The TSG said before the tournament they were keen to limit own goals to a minimum.—Agencies

Group C result