David Villa the hero yet again as sloppy Spain sneak past Paraguay

Paraguay 0 – Spain 1 (World Cup quarter-final, July 3, 2010) Paraguay were resolute against Spain in the first half as La Furia Roja continued to look a little out of sorts. The South American side thought they had taken the lead in the 41st minute but Nelson Valdez was flagged offside in a very close call. Just before the hour Paraguay had a great opportunity to take the lead, Oscar Cardozo won a penalty as he was pegged back by Pique but the Benfica striker saw his effort saved by Iker Casillas. A minute later David Villa was pulled down in the box and Xabi Alsonso saw his penalty saved by Justo Villar (after his first successful effort was pulled back by the ref for encroachment). With eight minutes to go Spain finally found the winner - Iniesta drove forward from midfield and played in Pedro whose shot hit the post and that man David Villa mopped up the rebound off both posts.

Tweet