The reigning European Champions ended a sixty-year wait as the Red Fury qualified for the semi-finals of the World Cup with a 1-0 win over Paraguay. Both sides had penalties saved during the 90 minutes before Villa scored the game’s only goal with just under ten minutes remaining.

Fernando Torres was named in Vicente Del Bosque’s starting XI in a three-pronged attack alongside Villa and Iniesta. The forward received very little service in a below-par first-half from Spain. In the second-half the Spaniard was replaced by midfielder Cesc Fabregas on 56 minutes.

The South Americans found their feet early on. Paraguay’s number ‘11’ had his side’s first shot on goal in the opening minute, but Santana’s low drive from the edge of the box was comfortably saved by Casillas.

Spain were struggling to get into their stride, and all the Iberians had to show for the opening quarter of an hour was a Xabi Alonso shot deflected behind for a corner-kick.

Although Spain were dominating possession, they were lacking a cutting edge against a Paraguay side who had only conceded one goal in their four World Cup games.

Xavi had Spain’s next effort on goal with a well-hit shot from 25 yards out. The midfielder’s half-volley however flew inches over the bar.

Paraguay had the ball in the back of the net just before half-time whistle, but the goal was ruled out for off-side.

Just over ten minutes gone in the second-half, manager Vicente Del Bosque brought on Cesc Fabregas for Torres. The Spain manager reverted to a 4-5-1 formation, but within seconds, Paraguay were awarded a penalty. Cardozao struck the penalty low to Casillas’ left, but the keeper guessed right to save the spot-kick.

In the game’s next attack, Spain were awarded a penalty after Villa was brought down from behind in the box. Xabi Alonso blasted the ball into the roof of the net, but the referee asked for the penalty to be retaken. Villar in the Paraguay goal blocked Xabi’s effort. The rebound fell to Cesc Fabregas who was brought down by Villar. The referee failed to point to the spot before Ramos’ shot was cleared off the line.

The game was end to end as both sides for a winner. With eight minutes left on the clock Spain grabbed the lead. After a great run from Iniesta, the Barcelona midfielder picked out Pedro in space. The winger’s effort came back off the upright falling to Villa, whose shot struck both posts before crossing the line.

Casillas produced an excellent double save to deny Paraguay in the final minute of normal time as the European Champions held on for the last three minutes of stoppage-time to reach the last four.

Spain will now face Germany on Wednesday July 7 for a place in the World Cup final. The winner of the all-European semi will face the winner of the other semi-final clash between Holland and Uruguay.


- Match Stats: Paraguay 0-1 Spain

Paraguay: Villar, Veron, Morel, Da Silva, Alcaraz, Barreto (Vera, 64), Santana, Caceres (Barrios, 84), Riveros, Cardozo, Valdez (Santa Cruz, 74)

Booked: Morel, Alcaraz, Santana, Caceres

Spain: Casillas, Ramos, Pique, Puyol, Capdevilla, Busquets, Xabi Alonso (Pedro, 75), Xavi, Iniesta, Villa, Torres (Fabregas, 56)

Booked: Pique, Busquets

Goals: Villa 82