4QF : Paraguay vs Spain

Paraguay is giving Spain a run for the money. They were quick to snap onto Spain’s heels thus spain were unable to string their passes. Paraguay were quick to close down iniesta who is widely regarded as the best footballer in the world. paraguay had a goal disallowed when Nelson Valdez headed in the ball. However, the assistant referee had decided that the ball was touched by a player who was in the offside position before it got to valdez. So the half ended 0-0 with spain having little chances on goal.

The second half started brightly and from a paraguayan corner, cardozo was deemed to have illegally brought down by Pique. A penalty was awarded and pique was yellow carded. Paraguay was in the threshold of eliminating Spain when Cardozo himself stood to take the kick. He shot was saved by Casillas. Certainly made his reporter girlfriend very happy and very famous.

Spain immediate turn defence into attack. David Villa was right through on goal when he was brought down by a defender. Penalty to Spain. Xabi Alonso stood to take the kick and made it. However, the referee blew for infringement when the spainish players encroached into the penalty area. The penalty had to be retaken. This time is was saved by villar. What drama.

Torres had another torrid time. He was unable to get into the game or provide any opportunity for his fellow players. He was replaced by Cesc Fabregas. Quite surprising as Florente would have been a better choice.

So the goal had to come. Spain had slogged on and in a lightning quick move, Iniesta sidestepped 3 defenders and had the goal in front of him. As he sucked the other defenders, he laid off to Pedro who came in replacing Xabi Alonso. Pedro saw glory and took the shot which hit the upright.

It bounced out to David Villa who took a step and curl it into the opposite corner. The ball hit the inside of the upright bounced to the other post and went in. 1-0 to spain. Villa had scored his 5th goal of 2010 edition of the World Cup. He has scored 8 goals in total in the world cup and his 43rd for his nation.

The goal had barcelona written all over. Iniesta, Pedro feeding Barca’s newboy David Villa. Barcelona is going to be a riot next season.

So spain won. Oscar Cardozo was totally distraught after the game. If only he had made the goal from the penalty, it would have been a different story possibly.

Another south american team is out. From four, theres only Uruguay now and it will be germany vs spain semi-final. That will be a very exciting game.

PS:Casillas is being interviewed by the reporter who is his gf.