Spain move into semi-finals
Spain move into semi-finals
Posted: Jul 3 2010
Spain beat Paraguay 1-0 to move into the World Cup semi-finals where they will face Germany on Wednesday.
Both sides missed a penalty in a dramatic 90 minutes before David Villa got his fifth goal of the tournament to set up a clash with Germany, who beat Argentina 4-0 in Cape Town.
Paraguay played well and up until the goal was scored were able to nullify Spain's midfield and created better chances in a tight first half.
Shortly before the hour the referee ruled that Gerard Pique had hauled down Paraguay striker Oscar Cardozo in the penalty area.
Cardozo sent his spot kick low to the left of Iker Casillas but the keeper saved.
Minutes later Spain were awarded a penalty after Villa went down under a challenge.
Xabi Alonso scored the penalty but the referee made him retake it after players from both sides encroached into the area.
Alonso went left with his second attempt which was saved then Cesc Fabregas appeared to be hacked down in the area but the referee awarded a corner.
Villa grabbed the winner in the 83rd minute from a rebound after Pedro had hit the post following a run by Andres Iniesta.
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: 2010-07-03 22:47
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