The World Cup is finally down to the final four. After 32 teams started this World Cup, the semifinals are here and only a few nations are left. Spain defeated Paraguay on Saturday to become the last piece to the puzzle. They join the Netherlands, Germany, and Uruguay in the semifinals of the World Cup.
David Villa somehow got the ball to go in after it hit the goal post in the 83rd minute. This is Spain's first semifinals appearance on the world's biggest stage, thanks to Villa. Vuvuzelas immediately deafened the stadium after the goal went in. This was one of the best games in this year's World Cup, and David Villa has become a superstar in his home country. Many consider him to be the best player Spain has to offer, and he proved that earlier today.
Villa said after the game, "The post wanted it to go in. Every game is different. I'm sure Germany isn't happy we got through."
Spain takes on Germany in the semifinals on Wednesday, while Uruguay plays the Netherlands in their matchup.
Spain's Gerald Pique was given a yellow card in the penalty area when he threw down Paraguay's Oscar Cardozo. Cardozo was given a penalty kick and could have given Paraguay a 1-0 lead. However, Cardozo's kick was stopped by Spain's goalie and Paraguay couldn't finish the deal.
Not much longer later, Villa broke through Paraguay's defense, only to be pulled down by Antolin Alcoraz. Villa, too, was given a penalty kick, but Xabi Alonso took the kick. Alonso scored on the penalty kick, but a player entered the zone too soon. Another kick was given, but was blocked by Parguay's Justo Villar. But, it wasn't Spain's last chance to take the lead.
A few sequences later, Spain's Andres Iniesta broke through the field again, but somehow, his shot dinged off the goal post and failed to go in. In an amazing stroke of luck, the ball got back to Villa and he also hit the goal post, but it went in. The crowd went wild as Spain celebrated the goal.
Spain's coach, Vicente del Bosque spoke highly of Villa after the game, saying, "He's at the top of his form. He's first to the ball every time. Villa had that hunger for the goal that allowed him to convert."
This could be one of Spain's most famous World Cup goals, as it came at such a perfect time. Paraguay would fail to score a goal in the waning moments and were sent home, after losing 1-0.
With the newly elected final four, many are expecting the next three games to be some of the best ever played. And I'm sure it'll turn out just right to live up to the expectations.
