Vicente Del Bosque hailed David Villa after his goal secured a 1-0 win over Portugal to reach the FIFA World Cup™ quarter-finals.
Del Bosque's side now move on to face Paraguay in the last eight after an excellent performance in Cape Town which was only rewarded when Villa found the net in the second half.
The striker's overall performance was also key, however, as he selflessly stretched the play by coming in from the flank and offered protection to the midfield.
"David scored that goal which was enough for us to qualify," Del Bosque said.
"But I shoulder underline the great work he has done because he's also contributed in other ways, for example defensively.
"That was extremely important.
"There are three areas a team has to dominate to win. We controlled the ball, had depth to our game and a solid defence as well.
"But otherwise I wouldn't say anything negative about Portugal. They were very good on the attack, but we have very good defenders. They've done a fantastic job."
Del Bosque's side dominated on the ball as usual but had been frustrated for long periods by Portugal, who had decent chances of their own at Cape Town's Green Point Stadium.
Ultimately Spain's patience paid off, however, as Villa's 63rd-minute goal secured victory exactly two years to the day since their European triumph in Austria.
They will now fancy themselves in a quarter-final clash with modest South Americans Paraguay while Portugal - who had Ricardo Costa dismissed in the final minute - face a disappointing trip home.
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