WE'LL BOUNCE BACK ... Torres says Spain will get better
FERNANDO TORRES has cranked up the heat on the Republic of Ireland ahead of Thursday’s big clash.
The Chelsea hitman insists Spain can win ALL their remaining Euro games to retain their crown.
The Spaniards could manage only a disappointing 1-1 draw in their opener against Italy on Sunday, while Ireland crashed 3-1 to Croatia.
But Torres reckons Spain are capable of beating both the Irish and Croatia to top Group C.
Torres, who came on as a 74th-minute sub against the Italians, said: “I wouldn’t say it’s a disaster but we have to win every game now.
“We knew it was Italy and what we were up against. Now we have to try and finish top of the group.”
Torres missed two great chances to win it for Spain, including a one-on-one with Italian keeper Gigi Buffon.
He said: “It was a shame to miss that goal. Buffon won the duel as he guessed my intention. But both teams had chances to win.”
Spain boss Vicente Del Bosque has come under fire for his gamble to start without a striker and play with six midfielders.
Cesc Fabregas operated as a ‘false’ targetman and got Spain’s equaliser after Antonio di Natale had put Italy ahead.
But Torres toed the party line and insisted Barcelona star Fabregas should play against Ireland after scoring.
He added: “What’s important is Spain win regardless of whether it’s with a striker or without. Cesc played a great match.
“It’s not a bad result by any means. We were playing against the four-time world champions and once Euro champions.”
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Rank | Team | W/D/L | Pts |
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Cities & Stadiums
The Top 3 Teams of Previous Tournaments
Year | Winners | Runner-up | Third place |
---|---|---|---|
2008 | Spain | Germany | Russia / Turkey |
2004 | Greece | Portugal | Netherlands / Czech Republic |
2000 | France | Italy | Netherlands / Portugal |
1996 | Germany | Czech Republic | France / England |
1992 | Denmark | Germany | Netherlands / Sweden |
1988 | Netherlands | Soviet Union | Italy / West Germany |
1984 | France | Spain | Denmark / Portugal |
1980 | West Germany | Belgium | Czechoslovakia |
1976 | Czechoslovakia | West Germany | Netherlands |
1972 | West Germany | Soviet Union | Belgium |
1968 | Italy | Yugoslavia | England |
1964 | Spain | Soviet Union | Hungary |
1960 | Soviet Union | Yugoslavia | Czechoslovakia |