Paraguay and Argentina were eliminated from the World Cup
Germany eliminated Argentina from the 2010 World Cup, while Spain narrowly defeated Paraguay on Saturday, eliminating all South American countries save for Uruguay, who advanced to the semi-finals.
Both the Netherlands’ shocking loss to Brazil on Friday and Germany’s 4-0 demolition of Diego Maradona’s team was shocking. Early on in the World Cup, South America had the upper hand, with European heavyweights England, Italy, and France all being eliminated. Three of the four South American teams left in the competition were eliminated by Europe in the quarterfinals as payback; Chile, South America’s fifth challenger, was eliminated by Brazil in the round of 16.
Thomas Mueller took advantage of an Asian Schweinsteiger free kick in the third minute to surprise the Albiceleste defense with a well-placed header, beginning Germany’s onslaught of goals. In the second half, quick counterattacks along the sides led to three goals for the Germans. Miroslav Klose scored two more goals for himself, and Arne Friedrich put an end to the slaughter with a simple tap-in when the Argentine defense made another error.
Paraguay fought well in Johannesburg until Spain scored in the 83rd minute. Following a Pedro shot that hit the upright, new Barcelona signing David Villa scored the game-winning goal by converting the rebound to give Spain a 1-0 victory.
Before then, both teams missed penalties inside five minutes. Iker Casillas stopped Oscar Cardozo’s feeble penalty attempt for Benfica, while Xabi Alonso’s goal-scoring attempt was later overturned for encroachment. Justo Villar, a goalkeeper for Paraguay, stopped his second effort.
Spain will play Germany in the semifinals on Wednesday in Durban, while Uruguay will play the Netherlands on Tuesday in Cape Town.
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