Ruiz slotted home from the spot to earn the European champions a dramatic 2-1 victory over their French opponents at the Indira Gandhi Athletic Stadium in Guwahati.

Lenny Pintor had given France, who won all three of their group stage matches, the lead 11 minutes before the break with a cool finish.

Juan Miranda then restored parity for Spain on the stroke of half-time as he scored from a Ferran Torres cross from the right.

Neither side were able to edge in front in the second-half until Oumar Solet gifted Spain the chance to progress when he fouled substitute Jose Lara in the area.

Captain Ruiz then stepped up to score the penalty and ensure Spain reached the last eight, where they will meet Iran.

Iran booked their quarter-final place with a narrow 2-1 win over Mexico at the Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium in Goa.

The Iranian side were 2-0 up after 11 minutes as Mohammad Sharifi confidently dispatched a penalty before Allahyar Sayyad chipped Mexican goalkeeper Cesar Lopez.

Roberto de la Rosa reduced the deficit towards the end of the first half but Mexico could not find an equaliser as Iran held on for victory.

They were joined in the last eight by Mali, who thrashed Iraq 5-1 in Goa.

Hadji Drame, Fode Konate, Seme Camara all got on the scoresheet for Mali, while Lassana N’Diaye scored twice in a rampant win for the African side.

Ali Kareem scored a consolation goal for Iraq.

Mali will face an all-African contest in the quarter-finals as they will take on Ghana or Niger.

In the other match to take place today, England earned a nervy victory against Japan as they set up a meeting with the United States in the last eight.

After the contest at the Vivekananda Yuba Bharati Krirangan in Kolkata had finished 0-0 following normal time and extra-time, England edged their Japanese opponents 5-3 on penalties.

The round of 16 stage concludes tomorrow as Ghana play Niger and Brazil go up against Honduras.