Portugal, Spain | featured news

Tens of thousands of Spaniards and Portuguese rallied in the streets of their countries' capitals Saturday to protest enduring deep economic pain from austerity cuts.

Spain and Portugal were locked in a scoreless tie through regulation and overtime, but when it came down to penalty kicks La Furia Roja prevailed.

Portugal was put on notice on Tuesday that its credit rating could be cut and fellow euro zone debtor Spain had to pay more to issue new debt, suggesting the currency bloc's crisis will rage unabated in 2011.

David Villa was Spain's hero yet again as his goal helped them past Portugal and claim the last spot in the World Cup quarterfinals.

Euro zone leaders decided on Friday they have special measures ready before financial markets open on Monday to prevent financial turmoil in Greece spreading to other countries such as Spain and Portugal.