Spain advance to semis after Villa's late winner
Spain's irresistible striker David Villa [ ] grabbed a late winner for Spain as they beat Paraguay 1-0 in their World Cup quarter-final on Saturday.
Villa, top scorer with five in the tournament, netted in the 83rd minute from a rebound after substitute Pedro hit the post following a brilliant run by Andres Iniesta [ ].
Earlier, both teams missed penalties in a frantic three-minute spell. Spanish keeper Iker Casillas [ ] dived to his left to save Oscar Cardozo's penalty after Gerard Pique [ ] dragged down the Paraguayan striker in the box in the 59th minute.
Three minutes later Xabi Alonso [ ] took a penalty for Spain after Villa was fouled. His first effort went in but was disallowed for encroachment and his re-taken kick was saved by Paraguayan Justo Villar.
In the semi-finals, Spain will play Germany [ ], who thrashed Argentina 4-0 earlier on Saturday in Cape Town.
© Copyright 2010 Reuters Limited. All rights reserved. Republication or redistribution of Reuters content, including by framing or similar means, is expressly prohibited without the prior written consent of Reuters. Reuters shall not be liable for any errors or delays in the content, or for any actions taken in reliance thereon.
