David Villa lifts Spain over stingy Paraguay

David Villa continues his masterful play at the 2010 World Cup as he scored in his fourth straight game in South Africa leading Spain past valiant Paraguay.  Spain now faces quality Germany in Wednesday's semifinal.

It was a cagey and uneventful opening half as Paraguay got exactly what they wanted.  Paraguay wanted to be air tight and close down the short passing game of Spain.  They did just that and Spain were unable to link the tight passes together as they had in previous games. 

As uneventful as the opening half was, the second half had all the makings of a World Cup quarterfinal.  Paraguay were once again getting their way with their gritty midfield play and there was some frustration growing in the Spain team.  The wildness began in the 59th minute when Pique tugged down Oscar Cardoza in the penalty area resulting in a penalty kick for Paraguay and a golden opportunity to open the scoring.

Cardoza stepped up, but Iker Cassilas smothered his spotkick and Paraguay still hadn't found a goal in almost four complete World Cup matches.  Play immediately shifted to the other end where David Villa raced in behind the stunned South American defense where he was brought down in the area.  Pentalty kick to Spain.

Xabi Alonso pounded home the penalty and it looked as Spain were on their way.  Instead, the referee ordered the kick retaken as a couple of Spanish players had encroached.  Alonso wasn't so lucky on the second try as Villar dove to deny the kick.  The rebound came out but Paulo Da Silva blocked the shot off the line.  After all the drama the match remained tied.

Minutes later a nice combination of passes sprung Iniesta through the midfield and he raced at the Paraguay defense.  Iniesta laid the ball off to Pedro who beat Villar but not the post.  The ball rebounded off the left post and went straight to David Villa who controlled and curled the ball to the right side netting.  Once again the woodwork was in the way.  The ball came off the right post went straight across the face of goal and into the net off the left post.  Spain had their winner.