David Villa scored the only goal of the game as Spain booked their semi final place with a hard fought victory against Iraq.
The Valencia hitmen headed Capdevila‘s cross into the far corner just before the hour mark after squandering numerous chances. Iraq were resilient throughout with a tactic that proved to frustrate the Spaniards. The Asian champions almost took the lead against the run of play when Alaa Abdul Zahra tested Casillas with a snatched shot after Gerard Pique failed to clear the ball.
The European Champions started to engineer some chances through the vision of Xavi. The Barcelona midfielder played in Torres, but the Liverpool striker dragged his shot well wide. Minutes later the two combined beautifully; only for Torres to fail to connect with the return pass.
The best chance of a cagey first half fell to David Villa, the striker’s first time volley was inches wide following a perfect cross from Ramos. More chances were created as Cazorla and Villa shot from distance.
In the second half Spain exerted from pressure on Iraq but David Villa was guilty of missing another great chance when Cazorla crossed in from a short corner; three Spanish players were left unmarked and Villa headed straight at the keeper.
However the Real Madrid and Liverpool target did make amends as Capdevila crossed in from the left and Villa rose unmarked to place header into the far bottom corner to score a record 18 goals in 18 games for his country. Alonso and Matta attempted a couple of long range efforts but fail to score as Spain tried to push for a second.
The game ended with only one goal in it but it was a deserved victory for Spain to reach the semi finals. It was a valiant effort from Milutinovic’s men who battled throughout the game but failed to really test Casillas on the counter. The Spaniards will sure be full of confidence after battering New Zealand and securing a well earned victory against Iraq.
