Substitute Nuno Gomes's brilliant blast led the hosts Portugal to the last eight with a 1-0 win over Spain in their last group match of the European soccer championship here on Sunday.

Portugal edges Spain out of Euro 2004

With Gomes' effort, Portugal got a first ever victory in their World Cup and European championship history and stumbled into the quarter-finals.

While poor Spain was failed to progress with two goals against four of Greece despite an identical scoreboard of four points, even though the Greek suffered a 2-1 loss to the Russians.

At the Jose Alvalade stadium, determined Portugal opened the score in the 58th minute when Gomes volleyed home just outside the Spanish penalty area.

The awakening Spain began their counter-attacks to avoid an early exit as Fernando Torres came close to level it several minutes later with an excellent shot just hitting on the post.

But the home side's morale has been aroused and their attacking wave kept the rivals busy with defending and the scoreline remained 1-0 till the end.

Portugal's Brazilian coach Luiz Felipe Scolari said the crowd had layed a vital role.

"Fortunately, we won and we're happy. I want to send on gratulations to the public, " said Scolari.

"Without them we wouldn't have had all this force to fight to qualify. Now we're going to the next stage and we'll see what will happen."

On 57 minutes the crazy cheer of Portuguese fans were answered as Gomes gave his team the lead to send the crowd wild. The Benfica striker got past Albelda and fired a formidable strike towards the left post with Iker Casillas unable to save.

Time was running out for Spain who surged forward but were unable to find a good finish and it was Portugal who were proving more dangerous on the break.

With two minutes remaining, Deco's cross found an unmarked Costinha inside the area but his poor header was aimed high over the bar.Seconds later, Maniche should have sealed it for Portugal but his strike was cleared off the line by Raul Bravo.

Spain coach Inaki Saez said Portugal's victory owe to their passion. "We worked very hard in the first half but they provided all the passion, " said Saez.

"The goal came from a half-chance at a time when we least expected it and we had to go for the game after that. "We had some good chances but the ball just would not go in, " added the disappointed Spain.