FIFA World Cup 2010: Spain 1-0 vs Portugal, David Villa Scores, Spain vs Paraguay Quarterfinal
Quality football shown by the Spanish side eventually overpowered a resilient Portuguese side which means that Spain will now play Paraguay in the quarterfinals on the 3rd of July for a place in the semis. Based on the evidence of the first half, it looked like Portugal could nick a winner on one of their counter-attacks, and their defence would hold firm against the firepower that Spain had to offer. It was not to be, though.
David Villa scored his 4th goal of the World Cup to put the European Champions ahead in the 63rd minute. The goal meant that Portugal had to come out and attack and be more adventurous, but unfortunately for them, a change in strategy did not seem to work. Despite positive changes from the coach, Carlos Queiroz, which included bringing on two forwards in Danny and Liedson, the Portuguese struggled to cope with the possession of football of the Spanish side. Even with the attacking intent and talent, including Cristiano Ronaldo, there was little that could be done since they were never able to keep hold of the ball.
Ronaldo was particularly disappointing, since he didn't really offer anything to his team. A couple of flicks here and there summed up his performance. He appeared to have realized the difference in class between the two sides, and seemed a little disinterested by the end of it.
David Villa continued his impressive form from the group stages with another well taken goal and a number of other good shots on target. He was one of Spain's most effective players along with the ever reliable pair of Iniesta and Xavi. His strike partner, on the other hand, looked like a shadow of his former self. Fernando Torres found himself in good positions time and again, but he was repeatedly dispossessed by the Portuguese defenders.
In fact, it was his substitution in the 59th minute that helped Spain break the deadlock. The six-foot-five striker, Llorente, was instrumental in the build-up to Villa's goal. His contribution, though, extended beyond just that. He held the ball up very nicely and presented a different kind of challenge to the likes of Ricardo Carvalho, who had dealt with Fernando Torres very well.
Once the goal had gone in, there was only going to be one winner and that was Spain. Portugal tried their best to come back into the game, but it wasn't quite happening for them in the game.
To top it all off, they even got a man sent off near the end of the game. Costa was shown the red card in the 89th minute for an elbow to the face of Capdevila. The replays were inconclusive, but judging from where Costa had been looking, which was towards the ball, the contact appeared to be accidental and so the red card was rather harsh from the Argentinean referee.
The sending off had no effect on the game, however, as Spain were very comfortable in their lead and never really looked like they would let it slip. The referee, too, had a very good game. It was nice to see him letting the game flow and not responding to theatrics from players on both sides, especially Ronaldo.
Spain continue their march towards the World Cup title, with Paraguay looking to put a stop to what has been a very impressive run of victories since the first game defeat to the Swiss side.
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