Spain Sends Thrilled Tapas Guests Soaring

Tapas, Newport Beach

Spain had no other choice but to rely on David Villa's goal to progress to the semifinals with Germany as Paraguay has been eliminated. Tension was in the air as fans at Tapas in Newport Beach July 3 awaited the final second of the 11:30 a.m. match in Johannesburg. A 0-1 victory for the European nation was the subject of positive emotions running through these individuals.

Spanish flags hang from the ceiling

Not many severe injuries occurred, besides Spain's Ramos' bleeding forehead as he headed the ball well into the second half, resulting in first aid treatment. Yellow cards awaited six team players throughout the match, one resulting from Spanish player, Pique pulling the arm of an opponent. Paraguay was therefore awarded a penalty kick only to be blocked. The nail-biter of the game occurred when Spain tried to utilize a penalty kick to their advantage. Though the ball traveled through the net, Spanish players already had crossed the line, which is forbidden, and thus, the goal was not counted. Unfortunately for Spain, the ball was blocked on the second attempt. The team eventually scored in the 83rd minute as Villa took advantage of a huge rebound off the left goal post. His shot hit the right goal post, ending up on the other side of the goal. The crowd cheered every time Paraguay missed a goal and whenever Spain took shots at the net. One girl was screaming, "Yeahhh! Wooo!" for Paraguay's first shot that crossed into the net, though it was later learned that it was offsides. She was brave to visit a Spanish location while Spain played for their fans.

Crowd gathers inside the restaurant while eating tapas and paella

Antonio Gonzalez, born in Madrid, Spain and from Riverbank of Northern California, believes Spain is "number one," especially since Villa and Torres are on the team. He thought the match was a "rollercoaster game," noting that he prefers emotional-driven duals. "That's the main reason of this game...everybody puts their soul, their best to play" into it. He is excited that his team has finally qualified for the quarterfinals and even the semifinals, currently being a part of the top four in the world. Gonzalez also coached two U-14 soccer teams in the Bay Area: "It was an exciting experience...I would do it again." He hopes to travel to Brazil in four years for World Cup 2014.

Crowd's reactions to Spain's false and actual goals

Antonio Gonzalez proudly speaks of his home team

Tapas is located just minutes from John Wayne Airport and has an authentic Spanish vibe to it. They show the World Cup in Spanish, adding to the cultural atmosphere. Many of their guests speak Spanish as well, but they also welcome other languages. To visit this place is to emmerse oneself in a whole new experience while still being in the same Orange County.