Spain earns its first-ever spot in the World Cup semifinals. Villa's tournament-high fifth goal sets up a semifinal against Germany on Wednesday.
David Villa (foreground left) celebrates with teammate Cesc Fabregas after scoring a goal in the 83rd minute that gave Spain a 1-0 win over Paraguay.Johannesburg, South Africa – David Villa scored in the 83rd minute Saturday to give Spain a 1-0 win over Paraguay and its first-ever spot in the World Cup semifinals.
The ball fell to Villa in the area after Pedro Rodriguez hit the post and Villa took one touch before curling a shot in off the far post.
The striker's tournament-high fifth goal sets up a semifinal against Germany in Durban on Wednesday.
Paraguay's defense mostly kept Spain's vaunted attack at bay, and each team couldn't convert a penalty kick.
Spain goalkeeper Iker Casillas saved a 59th-minute penalty by Oscar Cardozo and Paraguay captain Justo Villar matched him on a retaken shot by Xabi Alonso two minutes later.