FCBARCELONA.CAT

29.06.2010 22:28

Villa sends Spain to quarterfinals (1-0)

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Spain are through to the quarterfinals of the World Cup after a narrow win over Portugal. The only goal of the match came from David Villa and no fewer than six Barca players featured in the starting line-up.

Puyol and Piqué lined up in the heart of Del Bosque’s defence while Busquets and Xavi took care of the midfield. Andres Iniesta and Villa gave Spain plenty of width on the wings but with freedom to move inside and link up with Liverpool hit man Torres.

Strong start for Spain

Spain stormed out of the traps and in the opening six minutes had created three good chances, one for Torres (min.1) and two for David Villa (mins. 2 & 6). Spain continued to dominate throughout the first half but Portugal defended well and gradually took the measure of Del Bosque’s team.

Sterile possession

Portugal’s game plan was very much to defend but as the match went on the possession of the ball became more even and neither side posed much danger to the two goalkeepers. However, towards the end of the first half Portugal began to look more and more dangerous.

Villa scores

The game remained evenly balanced for the opening 15 minutes of the second half until David Villa broke the deadlock with a great goal in the 62nd minute. Iniesta slotted a great pass through to Xavi, the ball fell to Villa who scored at the second attempt – a goal 100% made in Barca! Villa is now joint top scorer with Higuain with four goals.

Spain slowed the game down and as the Portuguese frustration grew Costa was sent off. Pedro came on for Villa for the last few minutes. Spain will now face Paraguay in the quarterfinals on Saturday.