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Torres confident Spain will only get better
Jun 20, 2012 1:48:00 PM
The Chelsea striker remains upbeat despite criticism of Vicente Del Bosque's tactics, with Jesus Navas scoring a late goal to finally seal victory against Croatia and top Group C
Fernando Torres is adamant that Spain will only get better at Euro 2012 despite failing to hit top form against Italy and Croatia during the tournament's group stage.The opening 1-1 draw against Italy was followed by a 4-0 demolition of the Republic of Ireland, but only an 88th minute Jesus Navas goal secured top spot in Group C for Vicente del Bosque's men.
The world and European champions have previously been successful after starting competitions slowly, however, and enter the quarter-finals on the back of a 17-match unbeaten run.
"We have not played at the level that Spain can reach and we have to try to be better in the next game," Torres told reporters. "Spain has to return to her level."
Spain's performance against Croatia drew particular criticism, with Italy set to win Group C until Navas' late goal. Torres, however, praised his country's performance and the tactics employed by Del Bosque.
The Chelsea striker admitted that Slaven Bilic's team had been largely successful in restricting Spain's attempts to pass the ball into dangerous areas.
"It's a way of playing, maybe not one that would suit every side but it is a way of trying to win," he explained.
"It was a very intelligent approach from Croatia. We were in a game against a team with their central midfielders playing very deep, denying us space to play the final ball.
"Their plan was to remain compact and then try and play on the counter attack."
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