Fernando Torres has asserted that Spain will be back in Brazil next summer “as world champions and to defend what’s ours.”
La Roja were humbled 3-0 by hosts Brazil in Sunday evening’s Confederations Cup Final to end a record run of 29 competitive games unbeaten.
Even so, Torres has reflected afterwards that the one-sided nature of the result is not necessary for the team’s motivation to return 12 months from now for the defence of the World Cup.
“This team doesn’t need a wake-up call, nor do we need a defeat to regain our motivation,” commented the Chelsea man in an interview with FIFA’s official website.
“If there is something positive to be taken from the match, it’s this – it’s confirmed something that we already knew, that it’s not going to be easy to beat Brazil on their own patch.
“That said, in one year's time we’ll be back here as world champions to defend what’s ours.
“People said this was a litmus test for next year? We didn’t and don’t have to pass any test.
“We’re world champions and two-time European champions, and have achieved something that no other team has ever done – won three major tournaments in a row.
“Next year we’re coming over here to make it four.”
Spain conceded goals in the opening minutes of the first and second half, as well as one at the closing stage of the first half.
“The key was losing a goal in the second minute of the match. From that point onwards, our approach and our gameplan had to change.
“We were close to getting caught on the counter-attack a few times. We failed to adapt to the situation and we lost our head a bit. We didn’t know whether to push forwards or hang back; we were in a bit of disarray.
“To make matters worse, they scored again on one of their break-aways to make it 2-0 just before half-time.
“We were confident we could raise our game and come back, but we started badly again and let in a third goal.
“Things got worse, as we then missed a penalty and had a man sent off. It was one of those days when nothing goes your way, right from the start.
“Everybody thinks that Spain should win every match and reach every final, but it’s not as easy as that. What we’re trying to do is very difficult, and you can’t win all the time.
“Is it just a blip? Of course, yes – a blip against a team that played better than us. We’ve already experienced similar matches: we played badly versus England, Portugal and Italy. Some of those games we still managed to win, and some we even won by a few goals.
“Although they were friendlies and today was a final, it won’t change how we approach things in the future. All that remains is for us to congratulate the champions. Brazil were better than us and won the match fair and square.”
Torres was asked of his personal performance in Brazil this summer, as he did win the Golden Boot as the Confederations Cup top goalscorer.
“When you play for Spain, things can change at any moment, in a good and bad way. I started on the bench, and then I got some playing time under my belt and scored some goals, although they served little purpose in the end.
“Obviously I value the top goalscorer prize, but it’s an award that you can only really enjoy when you win. As far as I’m concerned, if we’ve not won, it’s not much use to me.”
The 29-year-old then looked to next summer and the prospect of what may be different for the Seleccion.
“We’re doing well – we’re a complete unit. God willing, the team will have a similar look to it. We’ll have Xabi Alonso back, while the U-20 and U-21 players will be pushing for a place.
“And the U-23 guys are already first-team regulars in top teams across Europe. If you add in the experience that we got from this tournament, which is a major bonus, there are reasons for us to be optimistic.
“Will we want revenge? Football is great for that, because you always get another chance. One year from now, hopefully we’ll be here and have a chance to make up for today, not necessarily to gain revenge on Brazil, but for our own sake.”
