Source: Team_Talk
Torres optimistic over WC opener
Fernando Torres is optimistic about his chances of being fully fit for the start of Spain's World Cup campaign.[LNB] The Liverpool striker underwent an operation on torn cartilage in his right knee in April, sidelining him for the end of the Premier League season and leaving him with a race to be fit for the World Cup.[LNB]However, the 26-year-old insists the recovery is going well and suggests he is on target to be available for Spain's opening match in South Africa, which is against Switzerland on June 16.[LNB]Torres, who also underwent a knee operation in January, told Marca: "I'm very well, happy with the progress of the injury. Since January I've had two operations, and that isn't easy.[LNB]"Everything went very well with the first and in the second the objective was to be ready between six and seven weeks, and I'm at the start of the sixth.[LNB]"I will do a few more days of specific work and, God willing, I'll be 100% for the first game of the World Cup for sure."[LNB]Spain have three friendlies planned before leaving for Africa, facing Saudi Arabia and South Korea in Austria and then Poland in Murcia.[LNB]If Torres is back to peak fitness in time for the tournament, then it could be that he will be among the challengers to finish as the top scorer in South Africa, as European champions Spain are potential winners.[LNB]Asked if he felt any pressure to be the leading scorer, Torres said: "No, but I know that, along with (David) Villa, I'm lucky enough to be one of the strikers in a team that are among the favourites, and that brings certain privileges."[LNB]Aside from Switzerland, Spain have also been placed alongside Honduras and Chile in Group H.[LNB]If they get through, then Vicente Del Bosque's side could face a tough hurdle in the second round, with one of Brazil, Portugal or Ivory Coast their likely opponents.[LNB]If Spain do manage to add the world title to their European crown, it would be a great end to what Torres admits has been a difficult season for him at club level with Liverpool.[LNB]Aside from his injury problems, the Reds have struggled on the pitch and ended the season down in seventh place in the Barclays Premier League.[LNB]Torres said: "It's been a very difficult season. When you start a campaign you hope you will be able to fulfil your dreams, winning titles, not having injuries, enjoying yourselves, and it has been just the opposite.[LNB]"But there is always a tomorrow in football and this summer, the World Cup.[LNB]"I've put aside the club, the bad season, and I want to finish in the best way possible way by making history with my county."[LNB]Torres' future at Liverpool has also been the centre of speculation, but the former Atletico Madrid player insists his mind is now focused solely on the World Cup.[LNB]"I want to think about the national team, about winning. Since I've been injured, the season has been over for me," he said. "I've started working morning and evening to be able to be here, thinking only of getting there."[LNB]Torres' agent, however, has assured Liverpool fans the forward "will continue at Liverpool next season".[LNB]Agent Jose Antonio Peton told Punto Radio in Spain: "For the moment I can assure fans that Fernando will continue at Liverpool next season.[LNB]"Everything is down to Liverpool's attitude but for the time being Fernando is happy at the club and has a good contract.[LNB]"Liverpool have not spoken to us about his future, so he is just concentrating on playing at the World Cup."[LNB]
