Sizzling Portugal too hot for Spain

World and European champions Spain succumbed to a first-class performance from a Cristiano Ronaldo-inspired Portugal team at the Estádio da Luz.

Spain prevailed 1-0 when the two sides met in the last 16 at the 2010 FIFA World Cup, but this time the outcome was very different. With Real Madrid CF winger Ronaldo in rampant form, the hosts finally took a deserved lead through Carlos Martins on the stroke of half-time, before Hélder Postiga struck twice after the break and Hugo Almeida added a late fourth.

Ronaldo's former Manchester United FC colleague Nani was also an energetic presence and he came close to finding the net from long range in just the second minute, though Spain responded when Andrés Iniesta fired wide from distance. David Villa then missed an excellent chance for the visitors, heading off target from inside the box.

The hosts grew in confidence again after that and Nani had the ball in the net on 37 minutes following a superb slaloming run and lob from Ronaldo, only for the effort to be ruled out for offside. Martins then had an attempt blocked by Gerard Piqué but he was not to be denied as half-time approached, pouncing on the rebound after Ronaldo had broken free down the left and tested Iker Casillas .

Portugal did not have to wait long to double their lead after the interval and it was Postiga who added the finishing touch with a sublime back-heel from João Moutinho's cross. The same duo combined for goal number three as well, and after Nani and a whole host of players missed the chance to add their own contributions, Almeida rounded off the scoring on the break.