FULL TIME - Match #60 (QUARTER - FINAL #4) -
PARAGUAY - 0
SPAIN - 1
(Villa 83')
I was right in my half-time prediction of a late goal being scored and that being the decider of the game in the end. And was it surprising that it would come off the legs of a certain David Villa?
Spain are through into the Semis, and lock up a date with Germany. Should be one hell of a cracker.
Paraguay tried a different combo this time by bringing in Oscar Cardozo instead of Roque Santa Cruz for this match, because of Cardozo's goal scoring reputation and because Santa Cruz has been ineffective in the previous 3 matches he started so far. Wrong decision, because Cardozo was far from impressive. They tried out Santa Cruz as a substitute in the second half, but by then Spain had gained the momentum and the decider all but sealed Paraguay's fate.
And that fantastical minute in-between which saw TWO Penalties being awarded to both teams and both failing to score?! What a moment indeed.
Although Paraguay did score but it was deemed ineligible because of encroachment inside the penalty box. The second effort was saved by Casillas.
All in all, a more entertaining second half which ultimately went to Spain, the deserving winners. Paraguay go home with their heads held high, because they performed exceedingly well in WC 2010.