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.
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