Torres plays, scores

HE'S BACK: Striker Fernando Torres points in delight at teammate Pedro (not in picture) after coolly scoring Spain's fifth goal in a 6-0 rout of Poland at the Nueva Condomina Stadium in Murcia on Tuesday. The Liverpool hero, who underwent knee surgery in April, came on as a second-half substitute and fired home from a Pedro cross.Photo: AFP

Fernando Torres scored in Spain's 6-0 rout of Poland on Tuesday as the Liverpool striker handed the European champions a timely World Cup boost.
The 26-year-old, who underwent knee surgery in April, was on target in the 75th minute of the friendly international with a cool, sharp finish from a cross by Pedro after coming on as a second-half substitute.
It was Torres's 24th international goal and came just 10 minutes after he replaced David Villa.
"It's almost two months since I played so I am happy to have scored," said Torres.
Coach Vicente Del Bosque admitted he was delighted by the return to form of the man who netted the winner in the Euro 2008 final against Germany.
"We have finished our preparations and we can go to South Africa in good spirits," he said.
The only cloud on the horizon for Spain was a leg injury to playmaker Andres Iniesta, who will undergo a scan on Wednesday, although Del Bosque said he believed it was nothing major.
Portugal were counting the cost after in-form Manchester United winger Nani was ruled out of the entire tournament after injuring his collarbone in training, dealing a blow to his country's chances.
As a forlorn Nani watched from the sidelines, Portugal eased to a 3-0 win over Mozambique in Johannesburg on Tuesday with Hugo Almeida scoring twice.
Portugal coach Carlos Queiroz admitted Nani was a "sad" loss. "But the most important thing is the cohesion of the team and that we all play together to get over it," he said.
Queiroz was however given a boost after seeing defensive midfielder Pepe back in action after the Real Madrid player had been sidelined for six months with a knee injury.