Spain v Portugal live today - David Villa defends goalless Spain ace Fernando Torres
Fernando Torres(credit:
Philip Gabrielsen)
Spain star David Villa has defended strike partner Fernando Torres ahead of the last-16 showdown with Portugal later today.
Torres is 11/2 (bet365, Betfred, BlueSq, 888Sport) to break his duck by opening the scoring against Portugal, and 15/8 (Paddy Power) to score anytime. Team-mate Villa is 4/1 (StanJames, William Hill, extrabet) to strike first and 5/4 (Coral) to score anytime.
Ladbrokes are running a Spain v Portugal (David Villa offer) today at 29/06/2010 7.30pm. They will give you a €/£10 free bet every time Villa scores for use on the next day’s matches.
Torres, who won his race against time to be fit for the World Cup following a second knee operation, is yet to score at the World Cup, and there has been criticism of his performances.
But three-goal Villa ,10/3 with bet365 to win the Golden Boot, insists the negative reviews of Torres are unwarranted.
The Barcelona new-boy said: “I certainly don't share a view of Fernando’s performances being lacklustre.
“Perhaps he hasn't scored a goal but he's done spectacular work. He really is very happy in the squad, he's made an enormous effort to help this team.
“Let's remember what state he was in with his knee a month ago.
“He is supporting the team with his play, so I'm very thankful to him and I think his performances have been very good.
“He is doing some excellent work, but forwards are always measured by the goals they score and I'm totally convinced that if he continues working as well as he is, he will score goals.”
Spain v Portugal – Tuesday, June 29
Kick off 19.30 BST, live on BBC One and bbc.co.uk in the UK. Check local listings elsewhere.