The European champions will now play Paraguay in the last eight

Yesterday’s results

Paraguay 0-0 Japan
Paraguay (5-3) Japan penalties
Spain 1-0 Portugal
 
Quarter-finals (Friday)

Holland vs  Brazil   4pm 
Uruguay vs Ghana 8.30pm 

A goal by striker David Villa earned Spain a 1-0 win over neighbours Portugal and a World Cup quarterfinal place after an entertaining match in Cape Town last night.

The alert Villa struck the winner after 63 minutes when he fired the ball into the net off the underside of the bar after his first effort was blocked by excellent goalkeeper Eduardo, having been set up by Xavi’s clever back-heel in the area.

Portugal right back Ricardo Costa was sent off in the 90th after a clash with Joan Capdevila on the edge of the area.
Spain, the European champions, will meet Paraguay, who earlier won a penalty shootout against Japan after a 0-0 draw, in the quarterfinals.

Spain had started the game stronger, dominating possession in the early moments, with forwards Fernando Torres and Villa forcing Eduardo to palm away three long distance efforts from the left wing in the first seven minutes.

Portugal right back Ricardo Costa composed himself after a torrid start but his side was still unable to keep possession. The Spanish, however, did not make use of their control, rarely able to send a decent ball into the box.

Portugal’s first chance came in the 20th minute. After good play from lively left back Fabio Coentrao, Tiago’s drive was punched high by Iker Casillas and the Spain keeper did well to beat the tall Hugo Almeida to the ball as it came down.

Ends