Martin Skrtel's hopes of qualifying for the last 16 of the World Cup now hang by a thread after Slovakia lost 2-0 to Paraguay at the Free State Stadium in Bloemfontein on Sunday afternoon.

Slovakia must now beat reigning World Champions Italy in their final group game on Thursday afternoon to stand any chance of staying in the tournament.

Both sides went into this clash having drawn their opening Group F games. Skrtel suffered the heartbreak of New Zealand's last-gasp equaliser while Paraguay had to settle for a 1-1 draw with reigning World Champions Italy.

Liverpool's No.37 looked strong as he played the entire 90 minutes but he had to be as Paraguay proved to be very tricky opponents.

Roque Santa Cruz went close to an opening goal after three minutes when his deflected effort off the thigh of Skrtel was well saved by Slovakia 'keeper Jan Mucha.

Paraguay were looking the more likely to score and it was no surprise when they took the lead after 27 minutes with a superb goal.

An inviting pass from Lucas Barrios found Enrique Vera who in turn produced a wonderful finish with the outside of his right foot.

Manchester City striker Santa Cruz almost made it 2-0 after 38 minutes but again Mucha showed his quality with a superb point blank save.

Slovakia searched for the elusive equaliser in the second half but despite getting into some decent attacking positions they couldn't find a breakthrough, and Paraguay always gave the impression they could score again.

They made the game safe five minutes from time when Cristian Riveros smashed home an unstoppable strike.

Skrtel and Slovakia face Italy in their final group game on Thursday afternoon.

Here are some photos of Skrtel in action against Paraguay:

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