Source: Team_Talk
Del Bosque: Torres still dangerous
Fernando Torres may not have hit top form in the World Cup yet but Spain coach Vicente Del Bosque insists he remains a major threat.[LNB] Liverpool striker Torres had to play catch-up with regards to his preparations for the World Cup after missing the majority of Spain's build-up having undergone knee surgery in April.[LNB]His only appearance in the warm-up matches came during Spain's final friendly against Poland, and although he managed to score in a 6-0 win in that match, he has failed to get off the mark in three Group H games in South Africa.[LNB]The former Atletico Madrid man has had the chances but has not been able to make the most of them.[LNB]Nevertheless, Del Bosque is still pleased with what Torres has contributed to Spain's qualification for the last 16, even it if has not been goals.[LNB]"What's important is that he's played in the three games and has progressed in his preparation," Del Bosque said.[LNB]"He's a player who even though he hasn't scored goals he benefits us as someone who makes it hard for opposing defences and who is always a threat to the other team. He's a very dangerous player."[LNB]Torres himself admits he is not yet back to full fitness, telling Radio Marca: "I'm still lacking a bit, it's not easy to return after an operation.[LNB]"I think I'm still a little away from being 100%, although I'm close."[LNB]Spain suffered a losing start to their World Cup campaign after going down to a shock 1-0 loss to Switzerland, but they rallied after that and successive victories over Honduras and Chile saw them finish top of Group H.[LNB]That saw the European champions set up a last 16 showdown with Iberian rivals Portugal, which will be played in Cape Town on Tuesday.[LNB]Torres, who was substituted at the start of the second half against Chile having complained of a muscular problem at the break, said: "We're ready for whatever comes. We are where we wanted to be, living the opportunity that we dreamed of.[LNB]"We only need to look ahead, be optimistic, positive and show the people what we are capable of. We have confidence in ourselves.[LNB]"(However) anything can happen, so we will need to be more focused than ever.[LNB]"We've all seen the level that this team have and we know that we haven't reached that yet."
