Paraguay vs Spain Player Ratings

It's time to pass judgement on the players who featured in the last quarter-final between Paraguay and Spain.

Paraguay

Justo Villar - 6.5

Saved Xabi Alonso's penalty and was good in the air - an area in which he has previously been susceptible.

Dario Veron - 5.5

Pacy on the right and had a good cross in him. Tested Capdevila with his darting runs.

Paulo da Silva - 4

Had trouble against David Villa who managed to cut inside from the left time and again. His job got tougher when Villa moved into the centre. Could not cope with the clever striker.

Antolin Alcaraz - 6

Controlled Torres very well indeed. Did not give the Liverpool star any space and was very effective in the air as well. Unfortunate to give away the penalty.

Claudio Morel - 3.5

Was stuck in his half most of the game - preferring to play long balls instead of taking it into the opposition's box.

Edgar Barreto (off 64') -  4

Never really got going as an attacking force and was subbed halfway through the second half.

Victor Caceres (off 82') - 7

Good work on the right - played well with Oscar Cardozo, feeding the striker as often as possible and making intelligent runs into the box. Worked well with the midfield to shut Spain out.

Jonathan Santana - 5

Played in a defensive role and shone initially with some quick closing down of the likes of Xavi and Iniesta. Tired as the game wore on and Spain were able to find more space in midfield.

Christian Riveros - 6.5

Was the man who set Valdez free time and again. The vision of his passing was a joy to behold at times.

Oscar Cardozo - 3

Missed the penalty which would have given Paraguay the lead and who knows, even a place in the World Cup semi-final. Valdez's energy and running also showed how heavy legged Cardozo was.

Nelson Valdez (off 72') - 7

Paraguay's best attacking player. Ran Puyol ragged with his speed and it usually took two defenders to stop him.

Subs

Enrique Vera (on 64') - 5

Barely got any time on the ball.

Roque Santa Cruz (on 72') - 4

Had one golden chance to draw his side level but failed to capitalise.

Lucas Barrios (on 82') - 6

Wa full of running as he tried to get his side back on level terms. Got a couple of shots on target as well.

Spain

Iker Casillas - 7

Pulled off a superb save from Paraguay's spot-kick to maintain parity for the Spaniards. Made a point blank save in the dying minutes.

Sergio Ramos - 6.5

Covered well for Puyol who was run into the ground by Valdez. Was the most threatening player on the flank as well - testing the Paraguayn defence with some well-placed crosses.

Gerard Pique - 7.5

Excellent performance by the centre-back. Was in the thick of action - pulling off one block after another, keeping the energetic Paraguayans at bay.

Carlos Puyol - 3

Had a horrible time against the speedy Valdez. Got turned inside out on a couple of occasions and was fortunate his teammates at the back were in good form.

Joan Capdevila - 6

Another sterling defensive performer for Spain. Stopped the crosses coming in with well-timed tackles. Poor moving forward though.

Sergio Busquets - 5.5

Good close control to make sure Spain retained possession and moved forward at the same time.

Xabi Alonso  (off 75') - 3

Had a horrible outing, misplacing passes and squandering possession. It was an uncharacteristically shabby performance by the usually excellent Xabi. Missed a penalty to cap his night of horror.

Andres Iniesta - 6.5

Got no joy out of the Paraguayan midfield who snapped at his heels like hungry Piranhas. Never got the time to settle on the ball.Redeemed himself with a fantastic run and pass to Pedro that led to Spain's goal.

Xavi - 5

Coped better than Iniesta with Paraguay's instant closing down in midfield. Linked well with Busquets behind and Villa up front. Far from his probing best though.

David Villa - 7

Only genuine threat for Spain. Started on the left from where he teased and tested the defenders. Moved inside when Fabregas came on and drew the penalty which Alonso proceeded to miss.

Fernando Torres (off 56') - 3

Showed a few signs that he may be sparking back into form but overall, it was another disappointing performance by the striker.

Subs

Cesc Fabregas (on 56') - 7

Spain looked far more threatening after the Gunners captain jogged on. Created space for himself on the left and executed some lovely through balls.

Pedro (on 75') - 6

Was a good sub - getting into good positions inside the areas. Could have scored the winner but for the upright. David Villa buried it anyway - so it's all good.

Carlos Marchena (on 82') - n.a