Spain's Alonso: I Have Never Repeated Taking Penalty

Spain midfielder Xabi Alonso, who missed a penalty on the second try in the clash of his team against Paraguay, explained that was the first time in his career when he had to repeat taking one.

"It was not easy to get over missing a penalty kick. The truth is that I have never repeated taking one and missed it. It cost us," Alonso told Spanish media after La Roja's triumph over Paraguay.

"Every rival is difficult and at these heights, all that matters is progressing" said the clairvoyant passer. "It was very difficult for us because of their pressure, but we already knew that Paraguay would play that way".

Spain's national team have made it to the semi-finals of the 2010 World Cup in South Africa after a hard-won match against Paraguay.

The only goal in the match came in the 83th minute scored by Spain's forward David Villa but only after a really tough fight and a number extremely dramatic moments. This was especially true in the 58th-62nd minute when both teams missed penalty kicks.

Thus, Spain will be facing Germany, who defeated Argentina 4:0 earlier on Saturday, in the second semi-final, a repeat of the 2008 European Championship final won by the Spanish.

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