Villa strike sends Spain through

David Villa (right)

12 April 2012

David Villa enhanced his reputation as the World Cup's outstanding striker with a late winner to give a below-par Spain a 1-0 victory over Paraguay.

The 28-year-old struck his fifth goal of the finals to send the perennial underachievers to their first-ever World Cup semi-finals.

Both sides contrived to miss penalties before Villa came up trumps after Andres Iniesta had carved out an opening for Pedro, who hit the post with his new Barcelona team-mate producing the perfect follow up. Spain now face Germany in the semi-finals.

Spain failed to bring a single save out of Justo Villar in the first 45 minutes - Xavi's spin and volley that dipped just too late their one highlight, while Fernando Torres looked woeful.

Villa, who had looked the liveliest of the off-colour Spaniards, dragged a chance wide before Paraguay were controversially denied the lead. Nelson Valdez brought down the ball and finished expertly but was flagged offside, when replays showed he was just on.

After 10 minutes of the second half Vicente del Bosque had seen enough and he sent on Cesc Fabregas for Torres and suddenly a drab game exploded into life.

Paraguay were awarded a penalty after Gerard Pique hauled down Oscar Cardozo. The Benfica forward dusted himself down and stepped up but Iker Casillas saved low to his left.

Almost immediately referee Carlos Batres from Guatemala awarded a spot-kick at the other end after Villa was felled by Antolin Alcaraz. Xabi Alonso put it away only to be made to re-take it due to encroachment and this time Villar came up trumps - and he then got away with clipping Fabregas who reached the loose ball first.

With seven minutes left Spain finally produced a goal worthy of their lofty reputation when Iniesta went on a fantastic run and set up Pedro whose shot hit the post, with Villa reacting instinctively to fire it in off the other upright.