The win over Portugal was enough to put Spain into a last eight showdown against Paraguay on Saturday. Whoever gets through that match has either Argentina or Germany awaiting them in the semifinals.
Striker David Villa refused to see Spain as clear favourites against the Paraguayans though. “I am very happy tonight, although there are two favourites for the quarters. However, I am confident we can come through,” he said.
Spanish coach Vicente Del Bosque insisted his side had shown their toughness, and that Fernando Torres, who was substituted, had done his bit as Spain seek to land the trophy for the first time. “We have now seen that we can also win the tough games. Fernando worked hard as we all have over the past month. Our confidence is rising and we want to make history,” he said.
Portugal coach Carlos Queiroz admitted Spain deserved to win. “It was an extremely difficult game but Spain moved the ball very well and had more possession and any team that does that can control the game better,” he said, adding, “But I would also like to underscore the fact that Portugal played with a great degree of ambition.” — AFP