Portugal were, last night, dumped out of the World Cup by a contained and decisive performance from the stuttering Spainiards. David Villa netted his fourth of the tournament - having scored all but one of Spain's five goals, the other coming from Barcelona's Iniesta - to fire the world number ones into the last eight.
The first half saw Portugal produce the most incisive attacking play, but Spain held on despite flashes of the Cristiano Ronaldo we all love or hate depending on our club affiliation.
But after the break the Spanish, playing in the red that covered their shoulders on the occassion of their Euro 2008 win, were majestic. They had around 60% of the possession and controlled the game in the level-headed way for which they have become renowned. Villa's strike was the culmination of a cutting move that marked the first time in the game the Spanish were able to penetrate the solid Portugese defence.
Portugal almost got away with it too after a fine save from Ricardo, but Villa was quick to act and pounced on the rebound to lift it over the sprawling keeper.
The win for the European Champions sees them through to play Paraguay who were victorious against the Japan, beating the surprising Orientals 5-4 on penalties (the first of the tournament thus far).
The winners of that match willplay the winners of the Germany Argentina match. Both will be played on the 3rd of July after Brazil take-on Holland in the first, and Uruguay battle Ghana in the second Quarter-final on the 2nd.
We have a two-day break now before action resumes, so let's turn our attentions to Wimbledon and Britain's great hope, Andy Murray.
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