Spain has edged out Paraguay 1-0 in the World Cup quarter-finals at Ellis Park after both teams missed a penalty in the second half.
David Villa netted the winner on 83 minutes after a mostly static encounter as the Paraguayans looked to shut out Spain's passing game.
Paraguay's tail was up when Oscar Cardozo was hauled down in the box by Gerard Pique on 56 minutes, but Iker Casillas jumped to his left to save well.
A minute later, fortunes were reversed when David Villa broke into the box but went down very easily under the attentions of Antolin Alcaraz.
Drama ensued when Xabi Alonso stepped up to convert the penalty, but an encroachment by Spanish players running into the box meant it had to be retaken, and 'keeper Justo Villar dived left to save and keep out the ensuing rebounds.
But the game changed with Cesc Fabregas's introduction, subbed in for the out-of-sorts Fernando Torres, and combining with Andres Iniesta, proceeded to create the vital opening for Spain's winner.
Iniesta ran at the centre of Paraguay's backline, jinking past three defenders before feeding Pedro on the left, but the midfielder's shot cannoned off the post.
The rebound found Villa, who took a touch before firing the ball home, taking a touch off both posts before nestling into the back of the net.
Paraguay chased the game late on as Lucas Barrios charged down the flank and shot on sight, but Roque Santa Cruz's shot off the rebound was brilliantly pawed away by Casillas.
Static opening
Just 50 seconds into the game's opening period, Jonathan Santana had a chance for Paraguay but could only hit a tame shot at Casillas.
The attentions were firmly on the Spanish stopper who was nearly caught in possession as Nelson Valdez raced onto his attempted clearance to deflect it behind the line.
But the game opened up for Spain as Xavi found Villa on the byline, but the forward's cross inside the box was cut out.
Xavi then went for the spectacular with a spin-and-shoot, but his audacious volley dipped just over the crossbar.
Torres was having a wretched time on the right flank and the out-of-form striker was not able to create any headway in the attacking third.
He dinked a ball past his marker and looked for Villa in the box, but his cross floated harmlessly out of play.
Paraguay thought it was 1-0 to the good when Cardozo buried his shot from a deep cross, but was flagged offside. Replays suggest he was marginally behind the line.
Valdez ended the half with a barnstorming run with Carles Puyol struggling to contain him, but the forward's shot was blasted well over.
Spain: 1 (D Villa 83')
Paraguay: 0
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