Fernando Torres believes that this Spain team will be talked about for years to come if they beat Germany on Wednesday - the only doubt is whether the Liverpool striker will start the match.
Torres has been in the starting XI for all of Spain's games bar the 1-0 defeat to Switzerland. Since then the 26-year-old, who arrived in South Africa short of fitness following a knee operation in April, has been chosen to start by coach Vicente Del Bosque - but the question is whether he has done enough to start in Wednesday?s semi-final in Durban.
Torres said: "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.?
The Torres question has dominated Spanish thoughts in the build-up to Wednesday?s match, with many keen for Cesc Fabregas to start after La Roja played with much more conviction once the Arsenal midfielder replaced Torres in the quarter-final against Paraguay.
Fabregas sustained a leg injury in training on Monday however but the Spanish federation say it is not serious and he has not been ruled out of Wednesday's game.
The Spanish Football Federation said in a statement: "The tests have ruled out any type of bone injury so the player could be available to play against Germany. He has not been ruled out for the game."
Fabregas' injury though may just persuade del Bosque to keep faith with Torres, the man whose goal against the same opponents in the final of Euro 2008 gave Spain's multi-talented side their greatest success so far in football.
And Torres is hoping the European champions can get past Germany and hopes to play a part, as he added: "If I score against Germany and it takes us to the final that would be unbelievable.
"I hope history can be repeated but above all, that the team wins. We have done well in our last games against them but this German team is much better than the previous sides we have faced.
"They have proved to be one of the favourites in this tournament without a doubt."
Source: PA
