2010 World Cup: Paraguay v Spain half time report
Paraguay 0 Spain 0
Spain's place in the World Cup semi-final is not guaranteed just yet following a confident and assured first half performance from Paraguay in Johannesburg.
Spain were handed an early scare when Jonathan Santana was allowed to shoot from the edge of the penalty area inside the first minute. The midfielder's effort was well held by Iker Casillas, though.
Vicente Del Bosque's side passed and moved the ball around neatly as expected and have enjoyed the lion's share of possession; but Paraguay set their stall out well and have looked intent on thwarting their talented opponents.
Xavi hit a superb 30-yard volley on the half-hour mark that whistled over Justo Villa's crossbar – and that was about as close as Spain came to breaching their South American counterparts during a relatively uneventful first half.
There was a moment of controversy towards the end of the half as Nelson Valdez stuck by the ball in the back of the net. Although he wasn't offside, Oscar Cardozo was, and the assistant referee on the far side raised his flag.
Those inside Ellis Park will be hoping this match bursts into life over the course of the next 45 minutes. With a place in the World Cup semi-finals at stake, surely it will?
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