The Barcelona striker registered his fourth goal of the competition just after the hour as he stabbed a shot past Portugal goalkeeper Eduardo.

It was just reward for Spain's endeavor against a largely defensive Portugal team, who struggled to get Cristiano Ronaldo into the game.

Liverpool striker Fernando Torres nearly opened his account at the World Cup inside the first minute as he forced Portugal keeper Eduardo into a smart save.

Torres' strike partner Villa was the next to test the keeper, who beat away his low shot. Just four minutes later Villa's near post effort tested Eduardo again.

Portugal's first opportunity came in the 20th minute as Spain keeper Iker Casillas parried Tiago's shot into the air before punching clear when striker Hugo Almeida tried to turn the ball home.

Ronaldo tested Casillas with a free-kick from distance and the keeper spilled his powerful shot, before Almeida should have scored when he rose to meet Fabio Coentrao's cross from the left.

Five minutes after the break Almeida burst down the left and his cross took a defection off Carles Puyol and looped just past the post with Casillas beaten.

Torres was taken off for Fernando Llorente just before the hour mark and the Athletic Bilbao striker almost scored with his first touch, but his header from point blank range was saved by Eduardo.

In the 63rd minute Spain made the breakthrough, through a goal made in Barcelona. Andres Iniesta found Xavi, whose flick found Villa, and though his first shot was saved, he tucked the rebound home off the underside of the bar.

Real Madrid defender Sergio Ramos nearly made it two soon after but his low shot was brilliantly turned behind by Eduardo.