The Loftus Versfeld Stadium. Spain and Chile are fighting for the right to top Group H. The fans cheer on their respective sides, but amongst the packed stands there is one player who is the centre of attention…Fernando Torres. There were messages of support, banners and posters of the Spain and Liverpool hit-man across the stadium, as fans from around the world cheered on their idol.

There was a fair bit of humour on show as one banner offered the striker an interesting exchange. “Torres, score a goal and I will give you my mum-in-law.” There were also posters asking for his shirt, a simple wave or smile, or wishing the striker the best of luck during the World Cup.

Spain’s training sessions in ‘Potch’ are no different, as fans cheer every time Torres touches the ball. Fernando regularly stops to sign autographs and to pose for photos with the supporters, some of which have waited for hours or have travelled hundreds or thousands of miles to watch the forward in action.

Torres has conquered the fans in South Africa, let’s hope that Spain can now conquer the World Cup.


Photos: J.A. Sirvent