LISBON, 21 June 2004 — Nuno Gomes sparked delirious scenes across Portugal yesterday when his goal sealed a 1-0 win over Spain and a ticket to the quarterfinals for the Euro 2004 hosts.

In the other Group A game in Faro, Greece lost to Russia 2-1 but still progress to the quarterfinals for the first time at a major tournament.

Spain are going home early after under-achieving yet again along with Russia who scored the fastest goal in the history of the finals by netting within 70 seconds against Greece.

Portugal needed to beat their Iberian neighbors for the first time since 1981 and the first time ever in a competitive fixture to avoid exiting the tournament.

The tension was hanging heavy around the Jose Alvalade stadium from the first whistle and both sets of players appeared to be swallowed up by the occasion in a stop-start first half.

But Nuno Gomes, who starred for Portugal in their run to the semifinals four years ago, lifted the mood in the 57th minute with a superb right foot finish after coming on as a substitute.

The final whistle was greeted with an explosion of euphoria across the nation.

The Lisbon battle between the two Iberian neighbors was a game neither wanted to play until the final but with a last eight place at stake, it has been the only talking point in the capital for days.

The final round of group matches are causing concern for the coaches of Italy, the Netherlands and even champions France.

In a vivid demonstration of the tension in the Italian camp, striker Christian Vieri marched out of a news conference vowing not to speak to the Italian press again.

Arguments are nothing new to the Dutch squad, who are in danger of going out of the tournament after losing a thrilling game against the Czech Republic 3-2 on Saturday.

Dutch players told coach Dick Advocaat they did not agree with the decision to take off winger Arjen Robben and replace him with defensive midfielder Paul Bosvelt when the Czechs were trailing 2-1.

France are not so prone to public disagreements but the players are concerned about the tactics used in a 2-2 draw with Croatia in their last Group B match.

Meanwhile, Portugal winger Luis Figo said the team were “really proud” after reaching the Euro 2004 quarterfinals with a 1-0 win over neighbors.

“We have to be really proud. In general, I think we did a great job and we’re glad to be in the quarterfinals.

“When you play at home the pressure is really high and all the players were worried about that pressure.

“The first game against Greece wasn’t so good for us but we are improving every game and now let’s see what we can do in the quarterfinals.”

Portugal’s Brazilian coach Luiz Felipe Scolari added: “Right now, we’re going on to the next stage. We can’t think any further than that.”