Torres aiming to end goal drought

04 July 2010 16:32
Fernando Torres is hopeful of ending his World Cup scoring drought after being substituted during Spain's win over Paraguay.[LNB] The misfiring striker failed to make an impact during the quarter-final encounter, which the Spaniards won 1-0, and was taken off by coach Vicente Del Bosque after 56 minutes. [LNB]But the Liverpool forward, who has not netted a goal in five appearances since undergoing knee surgery in April, is confident of breaking his scoring duck before the tournament is over. [LNB]"I hope I'll score at this World Cup, I'm sure I will," said Torres.[LNB]Despite his struggles in South Africa, coach Del Bosque is convinced Torres can shine in the remainder of the competition. [LNB]"Physically he's fine, I should say that we took him off because the team wasn't clicking but we're very happy with Fernando's work, how he's doing and we hope he will do better in the next games," said Del Bosque. [LNB]Spain will next take on in-form Germany in the last four of the tournament on Wednesday, and Torres is expecting a tough challenge. [LNB]"Everyone says the Germans don't have the best defence, but I disagree and they've also shown they have good forwards," he said.[LNB]"They have good players like Klose and Podolski, who are playing well, but it's not about names.[LNB]"It's 50-50, it will be very close. They miss Michael Ballack but they've always been this good and Mesut Ozil's replaced him."[LNB]Torres' team-mate David Villa has no such worries regarding his striking ability after cementing himself as the tournament's leading scorer with the winning goal against Paraguay seven minutes from time. [LNB]But the 28-year-old, whose personal goal tally in South Africa now sits at five, insists his main concern is helping Spain to the final. [LNB]"Finishing as the top scorer is the least of my concerns," said Villa. "The important thing is that we get to the final, whether through me scoring or someone else.[LNB]"I'm happy to score the goals but I'm happier if the team wins."

Source: Team_Talk