Gerard Pique in an interview with FIFA’s official website, and Pepe Reina and Jesus Navas in Monday’s press conference, all backed Torres to shine at the World Cup after the striker battled back from two knee ops to be with the Spain side.

Pique is confident that Torres will score in the semis verses Germany in Durban. “I’m sure that he will score in the World Cup and hopefully his will open his goal account in the semi-finals.”

Pepe Reina and Jesus Navas were the two players whose turn it was to speak to the press in Potchefstroom. His Liverpool teammate was the first to address the journalists: “Torres is a mature footballer. He has had ups and downs during his career and he knows that football has these kinds of surprises in store for players. Fernando has the manager’s full backing, that of his players, and he also confidence in his own abilities- which is the most important factor of the three. At Euro 2008 he struck in the final. Hopefully lightning will strike twice, and Torres will once again by key for Spain.”

The Seville winger agreed with both Pique and Reina. “Fernando has the confidence in himself to keep doing things right. He is working well and training hard. If he keeps training like he is, things will work out for the good.”