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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