Bull run is on
Spaniards pin Paraguay to make first-ever semis
Different day, similar story. David Villa again struck the winner as Spain eked out their second successive 1-0 triumph in the knockout stage. This time Paraguay were at the receiving end as the FC Barcelona striker’s fifth goal of the tournament put paid to their resolute display in their quarterfinal at Ellis Park here on Saturday.
In a closely fought encounter, Villa proved to be the difference as he struck in the 83rd minute with a pinball strike that ricocheted from the far post to the near post and into the net and sent Spain into the semifinals of the World Cup for the first time.
Paraguay did their reputation no harm, withstanding wave after wave of attacks by Spain and launching quite a few counter-punches of their own, and had it not been for Oscar Cardozo’s second-half penalty miss the result could well have been very different.
Paraguay showed they were not going to be pushovers in the first minute as Jonathon Santana struck a powerful, drive straight into the hands of Spain goalkeeper Iker Casillas.
Spain created their first chance almost half an hour into the match as Xavi hit a superb snap-shot volley on the turn from well outside the penalty box which went narrowly over Justo Villar’s crossbar.
As the second-half began, Spain again failed to breach the Paraguay backline despite repeated attempts.
In the 56th minute, off a Paraguay corner Gerard Pique held on to Cardozo’s arm and the referee had no hesitation in pointing to the spot. The Benfica striker stepped up to the spot, but Casillas guessed the right way and save the penalty.
A minute later, David Villa was hacked inside the penalty box by Alcaraz and the official again blew his whistle. Xabi Alonso dispatched the first penalty with ease, however the goal was ruled out as a couple of Spanish players already charged into the Paraguay penalty box before Alonso’s right boot hit the ball.
The official ordered the spot-kick to be retaken. This time Villar guessed right and parried Alonso’s shot with the edge of his fingertips.
In the 83rd minute, Anders Iniesta broke down the middle from within his own half to the Paraguay penalty box and eased the ball to substitute Pedro on the right. The 22-year-old’s strike hit the post and rebounded to Villa who slotted it home, but not before it hit the woodwork twice and left thousands of Spaniards holding their breath.
Post new comment