German police have praised England's fans for a trouble-free World Cup opener against Paraguay, although it was a different story at home despite a winning start for David Beckham and his side. Some 65,000 England supporters partied in the western city of Frankfurt before, during and after their country's tense 1-0 victory on Saturday, turning the stadium and public viewing points into a sea of white and red flags.
Police said the fans had done their part to keep Frankfurt relaxed and peaceful after fears of hooligan clashes.
"The praise goes to the security strategy but in equal measure to the guests who behaved impeccably," a police spokesman said Sunday.
German police were assisted by 70 British police, some in uniform.
On Friday night, scuffles broke out in Frankfurt and riot police moved in to arrest 20 fans, although only a handful of Englishmen were among them.
The spokesman for the World Cup unit of the German border police, Wolfgang Sommerer, said Sunday that the authorities were pleased and relieved that the first two days of the extravaganza had gone off nationwide with any major incidents.
But thugs caused trouble in two English cities Saturday, marring celebrations across the country over the tight victory.
Hundreds of fans were caught up in the violence at outdoor showings of the match on screens in London and Liverpool, northern England.
Sixteen people, including six who were taken to hospital, suffered minor injuries when a brawl broke out at Canary Wharf, east London, a spokeswoman for the London Ambulance Service told AFP.
Up to 6,000 fans gathered outside to watch the game on two big screens when the trouble started during the second half, police said.
Just 20 to 30 thugs were actually fighting, but everyone left disappointed when the screens were shut down as officers moved in to restore order, said a spokeswoman for the Metropolitan Police.
"There were no real injuries, no arrests and the crowds were dispersed," the spokeswoman added.
Violence also flared in Liverpool, where several people were arrested at a screening of the match that attracted more than 2,000 people.
Water bottles, cans and other missiles were thrown into the crowd and at police, Merseyside Police said.
Superintendent Andy Fisher added: "In the most part, it was good-natured, however a minority of people decided to spoil the event for everyone else by throwing missiles."
More police will now be deployed on the streets of England on match days to deal with any trouble.
England fans gained a reputation for violence over the past two decades and brawling supporters caused mayhem at the 1998 World Cup in France and at Euro 2000 in Belgium, although there was little trouble at Euro 2004 in Portugal.
More than 3,500 known English hooligans have been banned from traveling, although around 200 have failed to hand in their passports.
