Villa goal earns Spain quarter-final spot

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A goal by striker David Villa earned Spain a 1-0 win over neighbours Portugal and a World Cup quarter-final place after an entertaining match on Tuesday in which the Portuguese also created several chances.

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.

In Image: Spain's David Villa celebrates after scoring the opening goal

Text: Reuters

Images: AP

Coverage: FIFA World Cup