Spain

The Liverpool ace has struggled with groin and knee problems over recent months which hampered his progress with the Reds last term.

The former Atletico Madrid hitman has looked a poor imitation of himself at the World Cup so far, with strike partner David Villa taking centre stage with three goals including the opener against the Chileans (Villa 15/8 to win the Golden Boot).

But Torres, according to del Bosque, only came off as a precaution with a muscle strain.

The 59-year-old said: “He felt a spot of muscular bother, nothing to do with his knee injury.”

Spain now move on to the knockout stage where Portugal lie in wait, with a quarter-final against either Paraguay or Japan the reward for the winners (Portugal 22/1 World Cup Outright).

However, del Bosque, who saw his side get off to a losing start in South Africa against Switzerland, is refusing to get carried away as he looks to add the world title to Spain’s European Championship success of two years ago.

Del Bosque said: “There’s a lot of pressure in the World Cup.

“We know what people expect in Spain and we’re trying to give our all. Let’s see what we achieve.

“We have reacted to a very difficult situation and have done well.

“We know there are no easy games. We want to do well.”

Portugal sealed their passage into the last 16 with a draw against tournament favourites Brazil on Friday afternoon and defender Ricardo Carvalho is delighted to have progressed from the so-called ‘Group of Death’ ahead of Ivory Coast.

The Chelsea star said: “We knew it’d be a tight match, without many chances.

“It was a very tense match and that didn’t really surprise us, because Brazil and Portugal play in a very similar way and have a lot in common.

“We tried to attack them when we could but, at the end of the day, it?s a good result.”

Bet on the World Cup and get £200. Click here to visit Bet365 and claim your free money.