Spain and Paraguay locked in nervy stalemate

Spain and Paraguay failed to sparkle in a nervy goalless first half at Ellis Park in their World Cup quarter-final on Saturday.

With Germany waiting in the semi-finals, chances were few and far between as Spain in particular were unable to get their usual fluid passing game to click.

Paraguay made a good start to the match and created two chances in the first 10 minutes.

Jonathan Santana shot too close to goalkeeper Iker Casillas from 20 yards and then Cristian Riveros failed to hit the target with a header from Victor Caceres’s pinpoint cross.

Barcelona playmaker Xavi brought a spark to the European champions’ play when he hit a dipping volley from 25 yards just over the bar.

Four minutes from the break Paraguay had the ball in the net as Nelson Valdez latched onto a long ball into the box and slotted home into the bottom corner but his strike was ruled out for offside.

On the stroke of half-time, Valdez had another chance after twisting and turning Carles Puyol but he skied his effort from 20 yards.