Spanish striker David Villa capped a world-class performance with the goal which took Spain to the World Cup quarter-finals at the expense of their Iberian rivals.

His 63^rd minute right-foot shot came after impressive Portugal keeper Eduardo had saved his initial left-footed effort.

And it broke down some stubborn Portuguese resistance, which had threatened to keep Spain at bay.

Eduardo twice denied Villa and produced another fine save from Fernando Torres as Spain made a whirlwind start.

But Spanish keeper Iker Casillas struggled with long-range efforts from Cristiano Ronaldo and Tiago, while Portuguese centre-forward Hugo Almeida missed a fine headed chance.

Spain improved after Fernando Llorente replaced an out-of-sorts Torres. He forced a save from Eduardo with his first touch, a close-range diving header. And after Villa scored, Eduardo alone kept the score down.

Portugal’s misery was complete when Ricardo Costa was dismissed for aiming an elbow at Joan Capdevila.