Trinidad and Tobago's spirited World Cup campaign ended with defeat by Paraguay in Kaiserslautern.

The Caribbean side went behind in the 25th minute through a headed own goal from Gillingham defender Brent Sancho.

Paraguay doubled their lead through Nelson Cuevas four minutes from time for a scoreline which slightly flattered the South Americans.

Trinidad attacked with gusto, but defeat left them goalless and bottom of the group on their tournament debut.

The Soca Warriors can consider themselves unlucky not to have got off the mark after launching waves of second-half attacks.

It was a disappointing anti-climax for the smallest country, with a population of just 1.3 million, to qualify for the finals.

Trinidad will look back with some pride on a campaign which saw a gutsy draw with Sweden and a battling defeat by England.

They went into their final group game needing a win, and England to beat the Swedes, for any chance of going through on goal difference.

While the other Group B game in Cologne ended in a draw, effectively rendering this match a dead rubber, Trinidad again emerged with credit.

Coach Leo Beenhakker was able to bring Dundee keeper Kelvin Jack back from injury to replace Shaka Hislop and also recalled Avery John after a one-match ban.

A busy opening saw Jack soon pressed into action with a diving left-handed save to deny Roque Santa Cruz's header from a probing Edgar Barreto free-kick.

Trinidad hit back as Glen forced Aldo Bobadillo to parry and Aurtis Whitley fired a drive just over.

Paraguay, who had no hope of qualifying after two earlier defeats, were posed early questions by former Manchester United and Aston Villa striker Dwight Yorke.

As the sides traded blows, Werder Bremen striker Nelson Valdez caused a few scares for Trinidad, without seriously threatening.

But then Paraguay dealt a huge blow to their opponents' slender qualification hopes with a fortunate opening goal.

Sancho deflected into the net after Toro Acuna's free-kick was headed on by Julio dos Santos.

Boosted by the lead, Paraguay began to dominate and Denis Caniza's shot under Jack 10 minutes later appeared to have increased the lead before a late offside flag ruled out the goal.

Denzil Theobald also cleared off the line from Carlos Paredes, but Trinidad emerged for the second half with renewed vigour, and a Carlos Edwards cross just evaded the advancing Yorke and Chris Burchill.

Urged on by a noisy band of supporters, they continued to push forward through the impressive Luton midfielder Edwards and Yorke.

The pair almost combined again, before the ball fell to substitute Evans Wise, on for Glen, who struck his shot into the side netting.

Port Vale's Birchall fired over from distance and veteran midfielder Russell Latapy - capping a fine international career - shot wide as a host of chances went begging.

Paraguay made Trinidad pay as Cuevas combined for a neat one-two with Santa Cruz before stylishly slotting home to seal the victory and third place in the group.

Paraguay: Bobadilla, Nunez, Gamarra, Caceres (Manzur 78), Caniza (Da Silva 88), Barreto, Acuna, Paredes, Dos Santos, Santa Cruz, Valdez (Cuevas 66).
Subs Not Used: Bonet, Cabanas, Gavilan, Gomez, Lopez, Montiel, Riveros, Toledo, Villar.

Booked: Paredes, Dos Santos.

Goals: Sancho 25 og, Cuevas 86.

Trinidad and Tobago: Jack, Avery John (Jones 31), Sancho, Lawrence, Birchall, Whitley (Latapy 66), Edwards, Theobald, Glen (Wise 41), Stern John, Yorke.
Subs Not Used: Andrews, Charles, Cox, Gray, Hislop, Ince, Samuel, Scotland, Wolfe.

Booked: Sancho, Whitley.

Att: 46,000

Ref: Roberto Rosetti (Italy).

Fifa man of the match: Julio Dos Santos