Spain, Germany advance to World Cup semifinals

Spain striker David Villa fired his team into the World Cup semifinals with a late goal today to sink plucky Paraguay, 1-0.

The game was heading for extra-time after both sides missed a penalty kick in a dramatic 90 minutes before Villa got his fifth goal of the tournament to set up a last-four clash with Germany, who earlier thrashed Argentina, 4-0.

Until the goal, the hard-working South Americans had successfully nullified Spain's normally dominant midfield and created the clearer chances in a closely-fought first half.

The match burst into life shortly before the hour when the referee ruled that Spain defender Gerard Pique had hauled down Paraguay striker Oscar Cardozo in the penalty area.

Cardozo sent his spot kick low to the left of Iker Casillas but the Spain captain and goalkeeper saved comfortably.

There was more drama minutes later at the other end of the pitch when Spain was awarded a penalty after Villa went down under a challenge.

Xabi Alonso netted high to Justo Villar's right, sparking celebrations on the Spain bench, but the referee made him retake it after players from both sides encroached into the area.

Alonso went low to Villar's left with his second attempt and after his shot was saved substitute Cesc Fabregas, on for the ineffective Fernando Torres, appeared to be hacked down but the referee awarded only a corner.

As Spain pressed for a winner, midfielder Xavi, who went close with a fizzing volley in the first half, drove narrowly wide and Andres Iniesta drew another fine save from Villar.

Villa, top scorer in the tournament, then grabbed the winner in the 83rd minute from a rebound after substitute Pedro had hit the post following a brilliant run by Iniesta.

Germany's goals flowed freely once again at the World Cup as the three-time champions sent both Lionel Messi and Diego Maradona home.

Miroslav Klose scored two of the goals to take his World Cup tally to 14 in three tournaments, equaling the German record held by Gerd Mueller. Brazil striker Ronaldo has the overall World Cup record with 15 goals.

Associated Press