Slams match-winner against Paraguay to put Del Bosque's men in semis for the first time
Slams match-winner against Paraguay to put Del Bosque's men in semis for the first time
JOHANNESBURG: David Villa scored the only goal as European champions Spain beat Paraguay 1-0 at Ellis Park on Saturday to set up a World Cup semi-final against Germany.
Villa, who now has five goals in the tournament, struck the winner seven minutes from the end of what had been a disjointed quarter-final performance from the fancied Spaniards in a game that saw both goalkeepers save second-half penalties.
Germany, who lost to Spain in the Euro 2008 final, had earlier thumped Argentina 4-0 in Cape Town. "We didn't play well mainly because we didn't get enough of the ball," said Spain coach Vicente Del Bosque.
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Spain's Cesc Fabregas, who came on for the out-of-form Fernando Torres in the second half, admitted the semi-final will require a step-up in class.
"It feels good to be in the semi-finals, but we know it'll mean nothing if we don't reach the final," he said.
"We watched Germany beat Argentina and they played very well. They are one of the best teams in this tournament. We will have to play our very best to be able to beat them."
Paraguay made a good start to the match and created two chances in the first 10 minutes. Jonathan Santana shot too close to goalkeeper Iker Casillas from 20 yards and then Cristian Riveros failed to hit the target with a header from Victor Caceres's pinpoint cross.
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| Spain's David Villa is ecstatic after scoring the match-winner against Paraguay in Johannesburg yesterday. Pic/AFP |
Spain were out of sorts with even Barcelona playmaker Xavi uncharacteristically wasteful with his passing.
However, he finally brought a spark to the European champions' play when he hit a dipping volley from 25 yards just over the bar.
Four minutes from the break Paraguay had the ball in the net as Nelson Valdez latched onto a long ball and slotted home into the bottom corner but his strike was ruled out for offside.
Liverpool forward Torres remained an isolated figure up front and it was not surprising that Spain coach Vicente del Bosque replaced him with Fabregas. The game burst into life around the hour mark.
Key Moments
*u00a083rd minute: Once again David Villa rescues Spain. Iniesta makes a fantastic run to set up Pedro whose shot hits the post and Villa reacts instinctively to fire it in off the other upright.
*59th minute: The referee points to the penalty spot after Pique tugs on the shirt and then the arm of Cardozo. Cardozo takes the kick himself. The Benfica forward shoots with his left foot after a longish run up but Casillas guesses correctly, he dives to his left and catches the ball.
* 62nd minute: Alcaraz has been booked for a trip on David Villa inside the box. The Wigan defender is fortunate not to be sent off as he was the last man. Xabi Alonso steps up and he scores but has to retake the penalty as the referee spots players encroaching into the box. Goalkeeper Villar dives to his left and gets two strong hands to the ball to deny Spain the goal.
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