JOHANNESBURG (AP) — 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.


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