Spain beats Paraguay in World Cup action

Spain's David Villa, left, celebrates after scoring a goal during the World Cup quarterfinal in Johannesburg, South Africa, Saturday, July 3, 2010. (AP Photo/Hassan Ammar)

Updated: Sat Jul. 03 2010 4:32:03 PM

The Associated Press

JOHANNESBURG, South Africa — David Villa scored with seven minutes left Saturday to give Spain a 1-0 win over Paraguay and its first ever appearance in the World Cup semifinals.
The ball fell to Villa in the area after Pedro Rodriguez hit the post. The Spain striker took one touch before curling a shot that hit both posts before going in.
Villa's tournament-leading fifth goal set up a semifinal match against Germany in Durban on Wednesday.
Paraguay's defence mostly kept Spain's vaunted attack at bay, and both teams' best chance to win in normal time came from the penalty spot.
Spain goalkeeper Iker Casillas saved a 59th-minute penalty kick by Oscar Cardozo before Paraguay captain Justo Villar matched him from a retaken effort by Xabi Alonso two minutes later.