Despite struggling with injury in the lead up to the tournament, Torres was expected to be in the running to land the golden boot, but he has failed to hit the back of the net in any of Spain’s games so far and has been scratching around for form and full fitness.

The Liverpool marksman, who could leave Anfield later this summer, looked rusty in the group games and even though he was sharper against Portugal in the second round win, it was again left to David Villa to wrap up the victory.

In fact Spain only looked a real threat to the resolute Portuguese defence when Torres was replaced by Fernando Llorente midway through the second half.

There had been suggestions that Llorente could be in line to start in attack against Paraguay but that has been ruled out by Spain coach Vicente del Bosque, who has every confidence in the player and will keep the faith.

“Our striker right now is Fernando Torres,” said Del Bosque. “He’s played four games, a lot of minutes and will play more. We’ve got full confidence in him.”

Spain have goals throughout the team so they do not have to rely on Torres but if the striker can find his shooting boots in the remaining matches World Cup glory will be on the cards for the Spanish.

Torres is 4/1 to grab the first goal against Paraguay but once again Villa, who has been the star of the show for Spain so far this tournament, is 3/1 favourite.

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