Fernando Torres will pick the brains of Liverpool team-mates Steven Gerrard and Jamie Carragher in trying to plot Germany’s downfall in what will be Spain’s first ever World Cup semi-final.

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The Reds duo were part of the England squad defeated 4-1 by Germany in the last 16 and Torres will be looking to end his goal drought against them on Wednesday.

He said: “Germany have not surprised me. I am a big fan of German football. I know all of their players.

“I think the German people weren’t expecting them to play as good as they have been playing. But I was sure they would always be there or thereabouts. They are always in the final or semi-finals.

“They are a very good team. I have spoken to Stevie and Jamie, not about Germany – but I am sure in the next few days I will.”

Torres admits he has not been at his best during the finals after undergoing ankle surgery beforehand and is still searching for his first goal. But he still believes he has made a worthwhile contribution in tandem with five-goal David Villa and is improving game by game.

“It is a difficult tournament for me because my fitness is not the best but I am improving every game,” said the former Atletico Madrid striker.

“I am happy for the things I did in the game against Paraguay in the quarter-finals and in the last game as well.

“I am feeling better but I still have to improve – obviously.”

Torres is 2/1 with Blue Square to finally open his account against Germany and 6/1 to break the deadlock in the semi-final clash.