Fernando Torres started the last sixteen victory against Portugal, playing for 58 minutes before being substitiuted by manager Vicente Del Bosque. The Spain boss was happy with his striker’s performance and confirmed that he hopes to name Torres in his starting XI against Paraguay in the next round. In a post match interview with Canal Plus the Spain boss confirmed this view. “If he’s available, Fernando Torres will face Paraguay. I'm sure of it. If he’s fit and there are no injury doubts, Torres will play.”

Del Bosque brought on Llorente to replace Torres for the final half an hour. “Llorente has been training really well, and he’s a very special player. We needed a player who could play with his back to goal, to hold up play and could give us an aerial advantage. Portugal played with six tall players and we struggled a bit with high balls out here today (Tuesday night). We brought on one tall player who helps out in defensive duties to replace another, Fernando Torres.”

The Spain boss analysed Queiroz’s tactics. “The fact that Portugal played without an attacking fullback, instead deciding to man-mark Villa, meant that we suffered less in defense. Players who don’t normally grab the headlines played excellently against Portugal. We looked fitter than them in the second-half and moved the ball well out there. We enjoyed more possession after the break than in the first-half. We were on the back-foot at times during the first-half, but overall, we were the better side.”

Despite Spain’s convincing performance, Vicente Del Bosque believes his Spain side should with let the euphoria take over. “It would be a big mistake. To win the World Cup a team needs to be prepared, fully focused, and also they must never lose respect for the rivals.”