Former champions Argentina and England claimed hard-fought victories on a sweltering second day of the World Cup finals in Germany.

England's David Beckham gestures as referee Marco Rodriguez of Mexico blows the final whistle during their Group B World Cup 2006 soccer match against Paraguay in Frankfurt June 10, 2006. [Reuters]

Argentina, winners in 1978 and 1986, secured an exciting 2-1 Group C win over dangerous debutants Ivory Coast in the tournament's highest quality match so far, as their former great Diego Maradona cheered wildly from the stands.

England, who have not won the World Cup for four decades, were fortunate to emerge with a 1-0 win in Frankfurt, relying on an early own goal by Paraguay captain Carlos Gamarra.

In Saturday's other Group B clash, Sweden could only manage a goalless draw with tireless Trinidad & Tobago, the smallest nation ever to qualify for the World Cup.

The Caribbean islanders played nearly the entire second half with 10 men but held on tenaciously for a point.

All three matches were played in unusually hot early-summer conditions, with temperatures in Frankfurt's Waldstadion climbing to around 29 Celsius (84 Fahrenheit).

"You don't realize how hot it was out there," said England captain David Beckham.

While England seemed listless in the heat, Argentina showed why they are among the favorites to hoist the trophy in Berlin on July 9, beating a determined Ivory Coast side that showed class throughout the Group C match.

Hernan Crespo, who scored Argentina's last goal of the Asia finals in 2002, got them off the mark in the 24th minute and strike partner Javier Saviola steered home seven minutes before halftime after a through-ball by playmaker Juan Roman Riquelme.

Ivory Coast striker Didier Drogba, who threatened the Argentine goal throughout, narrowed the deficit in the 82nd minute, latching on to a low cross in the penalty area.

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