Villa 82

David Villa’s late strike sent Spain through to their first-ever World Cup semi-final, overcoming a dogged Paraguay team.

After a tedious first 55 minutes the game exploded with a penalty given to each side, and saved, within the space of two minutes.

Paraguay’s Oscar Cardoza saw his kick saved by Spanish keeper Iker Casillas. But Paraguay keeper Justo Villar also saved Xabi Alonso’s penalty after the Spaniard’s successful first kick had to be re-taken because of encroachment.

Spain’s Cesc Fabregas was upended by Villar in the scramble after Alonso’s saved kick, but the referee declined to give any more penalties.

Villa grabbed the winner with a right-foot shot which went in off both posts, after substitute Pedro had also struck the frame of the goal. But Casillas saved Spain in the closing stages, making a great block from substitute Roque Santa Cruz after spilling a right-footed effort by Lucas Barrios.