Spain arrived in Istanbul on Monday evening ahead of the World Cup qualifier versus Turkey. Before the national team departed Barajas airport in Madrid, Fernando Torres warned against any complacency ahead of their Group 5 clash. “We always go into games with plenty of humility. Our opponents are making life harder for us with every passing game… as everyone wants to defeat the champions. If we thought it was tough game at home, come Wednesday, it will be twice as difficult. We all know that Turkey are a great side and they want to put one over on us.”

Although the group leaders go into the match defending a six point lead over second-placed Bosnia, and a seven point lead over their midweek rivals, Torres believes that Spain still require more than three points to guarantee first place. “A victory will not assure qualification, but if we can get a win, we would have taken a giant step and it would spur us on to continue breaking records.”

The striker feels that Spain has matured into a successful team. “In the past we struggled to achieve qualification. We suffered a lot, but the national team became stronger. Spain has now become a great team and we hope that long may it continue. Now it’s the turn to sit back and enjoy.”

Fernando Torres was also asked about coach Luis Aragones, who was in Madrid to collect the Baron de Guell Cup on behalf of the national team. The striker had worked with the ex-Spain coach, who now trains in Turkey, with the national team and at Atletico. “He means more to me than just a manager. I worked with him for two years at Atletico Madrid, and I won the European Championships with him as coach. I feel honoured that he has collected the prize on our behalf.”


Photo: J.A. Sirvent