Spain's David Villa is the tournaments current scoring leader - FIFA photo

SPORTS NOTES Part 3 - SPAIN ADVANCE TO SEMIS EDGE PARAGUAY 1-0

James Loving/National Radio Text Service

David Villa scores another rebound goal in 83rd minute takes as he takes this World Cup's scoring lead - Germany will be Spain's semifinal opponent

Sunday July 4, 2010

SPAIN LED BY VILLA THE KING OF REBOUND

Spain's David Villa did it again in scoring a rebound goal in the 83rd minute to win the game as Spain edged Paraguay 1-0 before 55,359 at Ellis Park Stadium in Johannesburg. Villa's goal is his fifth giving him the tournament goal scoring lead. Spain will play now play Germany in the semifinals Wednesday which will be their first semifinal appearance in 60 years.

In a somewhat boring contest where Spain controlled 60% of the possession of the ball Paraguay had an opportunity to take the lead when Oscar Cardozo was awarded a penalty kick that was blocked by Iker Casillas. Shortly after Spain's Xabi Alonso was awarded a free kick that was good but referee Carlos Batres of Guatemala noted that players from both sides entered the area too soon and Alonso had to kick again. The kick was blocked by keeper Justo Villar.

Paraguay's performance was not sharp as they committed 25 fouls to Spain's 12 and had only one corner kick to Spain's 7. Of their 9 shots on goal they were on target only four times while Spain was on target 6 of 16 shots but they got the one that counted with Villa's rebound tally.

Though winners Spain fails to impress with their lethargic play. Fernando Torres is not on form and based on this performance the team lacks the pace and sharpness to get past Germany.

NOTES:

With all five of South America's teams making it into the quarterfinals only Uruguay remains after Brazil and Argentina were knocked out. Uruguay plays the Netherlands Tuesday. Given the remaining teams form thus far Germany appears to be in the best position to win the title but as they say it ain't over till it's over.

GO FIGURE

Of the 32 teams in the tournament several managers have departed their posts with Brazil's Dunga being the most recent to be fired will Maradona be next?

FIFA is considering penalizing Uruguay's Luis Suarez for his hand ball while standing in goal and blocking a shot against Ghana at the very end of extra time. Suarez received a game suspension and will be ineligible to play in the semifinal against the Netherlands but should they get past the Danes FIFA is considering penalizing Sauerez for the final.

Ghana went on to lose the game 4-2 in the penalty shootout. After the game Saurez talked about how in practice he sometimes plays keeper. He noted that in receiving the penalty was worth since the result is that they are now in the semifinals.

THINK ABOUT IT

In the world of football four years can make a difference. The 2006 World Cup will be best remembered for Zinadine Zidane's head but of Marco Materazzi as well as Italy defeating France for the title. Both of those teams left this tournament early in disgrace and where are many of those who played in that unforgettable contest NOW?