FIFA World Cup: Fernando Torres believes he can leave an impact on final

Spanish striker Fernando Torres believes he can leave an impact against Holland in the final of the FIFA World Cup in Johannesburg on Sunday.

“I still feel I have a big part to play at this World Cup. It is up to the coach, Vicente del Bosque, if he starts me, but I feel ready. I don’t want to make excuses but I haven’t been at my best in this World Cup because my fitness is not where it should be. But every day I feel that little bit sharper in training and I am ready to start if called on,” Torres told the Daily Express.

Torres scored Spain’s winner in the Euro 2008 final, but said: “It’s been my dream to score in a World Cup final since I was a boy. When we were playing in the street and I scored I would always pretend I was scoring the winning goal in the final. On Sunday I have the chance to make that dream come true. I don’t want to even imagine what defeat feels like.”

Torres did not reveal what his plans would be after the World Cup.

“After Sunday I can think about meeting the new manager. Then they can tell me their plans.”