The Spain number ‘9’ spoke to two Spanish television stations, La Sexta and Antena 3, in the run-up to the semi-final clash with Germany. Torres has broken German hearts in two different European finals, the first with the Under 19s and the second with Spain at Euro 2008.

“Talking about Germany brings back fond memories. The one which especially stands out for me was the time we played them in Vienna. Hopefully history will repeat itself and we can beat Germany again, as there is an amazing prize waiting for the winner- a place in the World Cup final.”

“We will cross swords with them again two years on. There is no better venue, event or time to face them than here and now. If you look back at their World Cup campaign so far, they are the maximum favourites. We can’t live in the past, it’s what we do on Wednesday that counts, and hopefully people will still be talking about this Spain team in two years time. We can’t wait for the game to start. We are counting down the hours. I wish we were playing them tomorrow (Tuesday).”

When asked about whether or not he will start the last four game against Germany, Torres commented: “It’s hard to get a game in this side as any one of the players could play from the start. No player is assured of a place in the starting XI. A player has to give 100% 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. I’ve had to work extremely hard to be here, and the last month was very tough. A lot of hours and training sessions were put in, so I’m going to enjoy the moment.”

Del Bosque, Villa, Pique, Puyol, Reina, Navas, Javi Martínez, Llorente, Pedro… have backed the striker. “It always helps a lot to have your teammates backing. It’s been hard for me, as upon arriving I wasn’t in the form I would have liked to have been in. After two operations I’m not fully match fit yet, but I’m getting better evey day and I’m doing my bit for the cause.”

Fernando Torres also sent a message to all of the Spain fans watching back home. “We are not going to let you down and we are all going to be able to enjoy the experience of being in another final.”


Photo: J.A. Sirvent