Spain-Paraguay: Most Entertaining 2nd Half in the World Cup 2010 So Far

Paraguay    0 : 1    Spain

  

I am speechless folks!  Simply amazing display of skills, will, and teamwork.  If you have not watched it, you might want to do it here,while it lasts.  In my opinion, the second half of the game between Paraguay and Spain was the most exciting half in the whole of World Cup 2010 so far.  And there are still a few games that I need to watch.  So, this is a subjective statement!  Don't take it personally!

During the first half, the teams were testing one another, with Paraguay having most of the possessions and creating more chances.  They even scored a goal which was disallowed due to Valdez -- who was perhaps the fastest player on the field -- being called off side.  However, from about 10 minutes into the second half, Spain gradually found its rhythm with many quick passes and gradually increased its pressure, while Paraguay was increasingly more reliant on counter-attacks.  

The roller coaster continued swinging into the second half with Spain conceding a penalty kick, which was brilliantly denied by perfect reaction from Spanish goal keeper Casillas.  Two minutes later, a penalty kick was called on Paraguay.  The hard working Spanish midfielder Alonso put it past the goalkeeper to find that the referee ask it to be redone due to Spanish squad's too quick of a move into the penalty area.  Interestingly enough, the Paraguay goalkeeper Villar saved the penalty kick this time, and the scorecard was left at 0:0 still.

The Spaniards kept pounding with many quick passes, crosses and shots until the 83rd minutes with a quick passing spree architected by brilliant Spanish mid-fielder Andres Iniesta, which resulted in a shot on goal to be denied by the post.  However, David Villa, the Spanish rising star took no time to convert that back towards the goal, with a meticulous curved shot that hit both the left and right posts before landing into the net.

A great thank you to both Paraguay and Spain for an unforgettable display of their talents.  Can hardly wait till the clash between Germans and the Spaniards, which should have been the final, given the superb performances by these teams.  It is sad that only one of them would make it to the final.  But of course, one of the most interesting and fun aspects of the World Cup is its unpredictability, and the final may turn out to surpass all expectations and pleasantly surprise those who are interested in watching a fine and exciting game.

Cheers!