Give One More Chance to Torres?

When many fans remember Fernando Torres (30, Chelsea F.C.), they instantly think of the golden age that Torres brought in to Spanish national team. Torres is probably one of the most versatile players who boasts speed, team play, and is extremely talented in creating indirect set-piece threats. Unfortunately, the sun has set for Torres and he is not the same as the way fans remember him in the past.

Torres has brought a huge disappointment to his fans this past season due to injuries and poor form, which hindered him from playing well. However, at the end of season, Torres was able to show a little bit of light and Spanish national team’s coach, Vicente del Bosque, believed that Torres deserved a spot for a provisional 30 men squad.

“It’s very nice to be back with the national team,” Torres said. ” I’ve gone a year without being with La Roja, since the Confederations Cup.”

The Chelseas striker has last seen in action for the Spanish national team after he was subbed out during Confederations finals against Brazil after 59 minutes in. Although Torres won the Golden Boot for Confederation Cup, many people  have questioned his validity for the award because 4 out of 5 goals he scored came out from the game against Tahiti whose team was only comprised of non-professional athletes. Because of his poor performances for this past season (scored only 5 goals this past season), Torres was not selected by del Bosque during the World Cup qualification process. Moreover, Torres’s spot has been hotly contested by Diego Costa (25, AT Madrid) who has scored 36 goals for AT Madrid for this season. It seemed as if Torres would not be able to join the national team for this World Cup.

But now here comes a golden opportunity where Torres is selected in the 19-men squad for a friendly match against Bolivia in 30 May. Del Bosque excluded national team players from Real Madrid and AT Madrid on purpose so they can get enough rest before joining in for training. Moreover, Costa has been struggling with his hamstring injury so it’s unclear whether Costa will play for this World Cup.

“I knew that anything could happen and I was only hoping to hear my name,” Torres said. “I knew that I could have been here or not, but now I have a better chance of being in Brazil.”

Although Torres made it into the provisional 30 men squad, it is still unsure if he can make it to a final 23 men squad which will be announced on 2 June. But Torres looks determined to make it in as he will use the friendly match against Bolivia as a chance to impress for a spot for the World Cup. Even though Torres has been in a slump for the last five years seasons, no fans can deny how much of an impact he brought to Spanish national team as he participated in 2 World Cups and 3 UEFA Euro tournaments. In fact, Torres actually scored in championship games of Euro 2008 and Euro 2012, contributing to Spain’s victory.

“It’s been a difficult year but I finished the season very well,” Torres said. “I’m grateful for the words of Vicente, who has valued my performances in the final phases.”

This may be the last call that Torres would ever get from the national team. So far, the only striker that has been listed in 19 men squad against Bolivia is Torres. He knows that this is the time that he can shine for the team. It is going to be quite interesting to see if Torres can bounce back from his slump through the World Cup.