Spain’s win will be talked about for years to come: Torres

This Spain team will be talked about for years to come if they beat Germany tomorrow, believes Fernando Torres, although his presence is doubtful in the start of the match.

For all of Spain’s games bar the opener against Switzerland, Torres has been in the starting XI. following a knee operation in April, the 26-year-old, who arrived in South Africa short of fitness, but has yet to score or even look close to living up to his reputation.

The build-up to tomorrow’s semi-final in Durban, the Torres question has dominated Spanish thoughts, with many keen for Cesc Fabregas to start after La Roja played with much more conviction once the Arsenal midfielder replaced Torres in the quarter-final against Paraguay.

Fabregas will be fit to play, as he picked up a leg injury in training. Spanish Football Federation (RFEF) said in a statement today, “The tests have ruled out any type of bone injury so the player could be available to play against Germany. He has not been ruled out for the game tomorrow.”

Torres said, “No player is assured of a place in the starting XI. A player has to give 100 per cent in his fight for a place in the team. But, if he isn’t given the nod by the boss, then he has to cheer on the side from the sidelines. If I score against Germany and it takes us to the final that would be unbelievable. I hope history can be repeated but above all, that the team wins. We have done well in our last games against them but this German team is much better than the previous sides we have faced. They have proved to be one of the favorites in this tournament without a doubt.”

In 1950, Spain makes a final group of four, although they have never reached even the semi-finals of the FIFA World Cup. Torres insisted that it was important the team did not believe their job is already done.

Torres said, “I don’t just settle for being in the semi-finals, I want more. Of course, it’s a success for us as this is the first time our nation has achieved this but we are aware that we may never get this chance again. We have the right to dream and to play a wonderful game against Germany. We want to make sure that people will still be talking about this Spain team in two years’ time or even longer.”