POTCHEFSTROOM, July 5 – Spain goalkeeper Pepe Reina has backed misfiring striker Fernando Torres to come good at the World Cup despite his Liverpool team-mate still desperately seeking his first goal.
Torres has been completely overshadowed by strike partner David Villa, with the new Barcelona signing having grabbed five goals to put himself in pole position for the Golden Boot.
But Reina believes Torres will come good, starting with Wednesday’s semi-final against Germany in Durban.
"He is a very mature person and player who knows all about the good times and the bad times," said Reina, back-up goalkeeper to Iker Casillas in South Africa.
"He knows that the game of football and the media are like this. But he has to be relaxed and have confidence in himself just as the coaching staff do.
"At Euro 2008, that was his moment and we hope he will have the same story here."