Combination photo shows Spain's David Villa (7) scores a goal past Portugal's goalkeeper Eduardo (1) during the 2010 World Cup second round soccer match at Green Point stadium in Cape Town June 29, 2010. [Agencies]

Portugal's goalkeeper Eduardo reacts after their 2010 World Cup second round soccer match against Spain at Green Point stadium in Cape Town June 29, 2010. [Agencies]

CAPE TOWN - Spain marched into the quarter-finals in their own inimitable style on Tuesday when another display of patient, precise passing let David Villa deliver a 1-0 win over a Portugal side left chasing shadows.

The match was billed as a meeting between the second- and third-ranked teams in the world but the 1-0 scoreline gave little sign of the real gulf between the Iberian neighbours.

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The European champions now face Paraguay on July 3 and have a strong chance of reaching only their second World Cup semi-final and the first for 60 years.

"We always controlled the game but in the second half we were better than Portugal, we had greater depth in our game and we controlled very well," said Spain coach Vicente del Bosque.

Cristiano Ronaldo was a peripheral figure for Portugal, who clocked a couple of decent first-half chances but had few complaints after failing to score for the third time in four games in South Africa.

"Given the number opportunities, Spain had their victory and it sits well with what happened in the game," said coach Carlos Queiroz.

"It must be recognised that Spain moved the ball extremely well and had a greater degree of possession.

"We had a number of opportunities but we allowed Spain to play the same type football up to the point where they scored."

Spain looked dangerous from the off as Fernando Torres and Villa stung goalkeeper Eduardo's palms three times cutting in from the left in the opening seven minutes.

Portugal plugged that gap however and, settling about their task, worked hard to ensure Spain's crisp passing made patterns in the midfield instead of inroads towards goal.

Portugal actually had the clearer chances of the first half as a swerving Ronaldo free kick almost got past Iker Casillas while striker Hugo Almeida missed a great headed opportunity.