Portugal were made to suffer but beat Iberian rivals Spain 1-0 at the Jose Alvalade Stadium.

Luiz Felipe Scolari’s team dominated the opening half but were unable to find the back of the net and it was left to substitute Nuno Gomes, who replaced striker Pedro Pauleta at the restart, to answer the prayers of a whole nation, with his strike in the 56th minute sending Spain out of the competition and placing his team in the last eight.

“We knew that it was going to be difficult,” admitted Deco. “But the team was united and confident prior to the game so that we could beat Spain.”

The inspirational Porto player, who was voted man-of-the-match by UEFA in the Champions League final one month ago, was also considered the best man on the pitch against the Spaniards.

“We have played a fantastic first-half,” said Deco. “We were able to maintain our initial rhythm and finally the goal came.”

Portugal got their tournament off to a nightmare start, losing to Greece, but they hit back against Russia and came into the last Group A game knowing they had to win to progress.

Rivals Spain also had their share of chances with Atletico Madrid striker Fernando Torres hitting the post and Betis defender Juanito’s header only saved by the crossbar.

“It was not the fact that Spain were weaker on the night but maybe the fact that they didn’t expect us to be so strong,” admitted Deco.

What made the win even more special for the hosts was the fact that their victory brought to an end Spain’s 23-year unbeaten run.

“The atmosphere in the changing room was of complete happiness,” said the 26-year-old.

Deco who has been linked with a move to Chelsea this summer following his outstanding season with European Champions Porto, is confident that they can go far in this tournament.

“We are optimistic for our next games because we are creating many goalscoring opportunities and in the end we do manage to score, and that is good,” said Deco.

Deco is not the only one to be optimistic, with coach Scolari admitting his men are getting better and better. “We are gradually improving. We have played brilliantly. I have seen my players work very hard with determination, character.”