Villa nears Spanish record with winner

David Villa edged closer to a Spanish record with his game-breaking goal in the European champions' 1-0 win over Paraguay to reach the semi-finals of the 2010 FIFA World Cup™ at Ellis Park on Saturday.

Villa became the tournament's leading scorer with his fifth goal to crack the Paraguayan defence seven minutes from time. Spain will now play Germany in the last four in Durban on Wednesday.

It was the new Barcelona man's 43rd goal in his 63rd international and puts him just one goal behind Raul's 44 in 102 games as Spain's all-time leading scorer.


"Finishing as the top scorer is the least of my concerns," said Villa. "The important thing is that we get to the final, whether through me scoring or someone else. I'm happy to score the goals but I'm happier if the team wins."

Villa, 28, has already become the top marksman for Spain in FIFA World Cup history with eight goals, leaving behind Spanish greats, Emilio Butragueno, Fernando Hierro, Fernando Morientes and Raul, who all netted five times.

With Liverpool strike partner Fernando Torres again failing to make an impression - he was substituted after 56 minutes following his fifth scoreless appearance - Villa goes from strength to strength.

Source: fifa.com