Spain to keep attacking
Spain must remain faithful to their fast-flowing, attacking style against Germany in Wednesday's World Cup semifinal, according to coach Vicente del Bosque.
The European champions have kept alive their hopes of a first World Cup triumph thanks to the creative flair of players like Xavi, Andres Iniesta and the prolific David Villa.
"We have to be, or try to be, faithful to our style, with the competitive spirit we have shown," Del Bosque said at a news conference at Spain's training base in Potchefstroom.
"We started off this World Cup with the (1-0 Group H) defeat to Switzerland, which was so painful, but now the joy of four consecutive wins has put us in the semifinals and we hope to make the most of it."
Spain, by contrast, are little changed from the team that lifted the European Championship trophy in Vienna two years ago.
"They (Germany) recently began a rebuilding exercise for a team that appeared to be worn out," Del Bosque said.
"They started from scratch and managed to rejuvenate the side and are feeling their way at this tournament while respecting players from the past.
"I think they have made advances, although Germany have always been strong."
Asked whether Torres, who returned from knee surgery shortly before the World Cup, would be in the starting 11 to face Germany, Del Bosque said he believed he would.
"He continues to be an important player for us and one that the other squad members are used to," he added.
"All strikers go through good and bad runs but he brings his work rate and his personality to the team and he is still our forward."
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