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Paraguay goalkeeper Jose Luis Chilavert was made to eat humble pie after Spain's 3-1 victory saw Jose Antonio Camacho's side became the first to qualify for the last 16 of the World Cup.

After weeks of claiming Spain were not the best team in Group B, Chilavert was forced into a climbdown and went to congratulate his opposite number Iker Casillas after the match.

"I told him that he's a great goalkeeper, and that he should keep doing the things as he has up to now," Chilavert said.

He added: "I also suggested to him to play more like a libero, and not so close to the goal."

As for the game, Chilavert was insistent it could have gone either way.

"We controlled the game in the first half, but Spain improved in the second half and were able to reverse the result," he said.

Paraguay must now beat Slovenia if they are to have any chance of making it into the second round, but the veteran keeper remains confident.

"We're not dead yet," he claimed. "We still have to face Slovenia and we have to work hard, because if we win, we will advance to the second round."

The 36-year-old also backed the much-maligned coach Cesare Maldini, who has come under fire over the preparations for the game and declared: "Maldini is not in danger. He will stay with us."

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