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Spain star Xavi thinks he and his team-mates have rediscovered their trademark style after booking a place in the quarter-finals of the World Cup.
David Villa's fourth goal of the finals earned the European champions a 1-0 win over arch-rivals Portugal in the last 16 on Tuesday night and booked a meeting with Paraguay.
Xavi starred in the victory and, after the shock defeat to Switzerland in their opening match of the World Cup, the playmaker thinks Spain are now clicking into gear.
Portugal, who had Ricardo Costa dismissed in the final minute, frustrated Spain for large periods at Green Point Stadium but the patience of Vicente Del Bosque's side ultimately proved productive.
"We played a great game. It was a great collective effort," said Xavi. "We maintained possession and we wanted to play our style of football.
"Portugal basically gave us the ball. They tried to regain possession for counter-attacks but we dealt with it.
"We really enjoyed our football. It was the best match we've played in this World Cup so far.
"We controlled the ball in both halves but maybe attacked more in the second. We scored the goal and then we could enjoy it more. Basically, tonight, Spain were better than Portugal."
David Villa's fourth goal of the finals earned the European champions a 1-0 win over arch-rivals Portugal in the last 16 on Tuesday night and booked a meeting with Paraguay.
Xavi starred in the victory and, after the shock defeat to Switzerland in their opening match of the World Cup, the playmaker thinks Spain are now clicking into gear.
Portugal, who had Ricardo Costa dismissed in the final minute, frustrated Spain for large periods at Green Point Stadium but the patience of Vicente Del Bosque's side ultimately proved productive.
"We played a great game. It was a great collective effort," said Xavi. "We maintained possession and we wanted to play our style of football.
"Portugal basically gave us the ball. They tried to regain possession for counter-attacks but we dealt with it.
"We really enjoyed our football. It was the best match we've played in this World Cup so far.
"We controlled the ball in both halves but maybe attacked more in the second. We scored the goal and then we could enjoy it more. Basically, tonight, Spain were better than Portugal."