I've had too much time on my hand and got bored, tho' it actually bored me even more than doing nothing. But here you go, sorry for all the expressions and mistakes, if any of you would like to fix it, no prob, I'll scan the thing, just ask
Le Tour de Torres
Torres’ trick/turn
He was waiting for his moment. Fernando Torres was waiting to savour his happiness. At this Euro, he had to settle for, during nine half-times, the second role. La Selecciòn's headliner, throughout La Roja's first four and a half games, was David Villa. Thanks to his hat trick against Russia; Valencia's striker was the star. He even scored again against Sweden to take his total up to four goals. While he was shining, attracted headlines and flashes, "El Niño" Torres was discretely strolling around his 24 years in Aragones' group. Quiet anonymous against Italy in the quarters, Fernando kept a low profile. He knew he’d wake up on the D Day. In semis, against Russia, David Villa got injured. Cesc Fabregas got in; the red midfield went from 4 to 5, and the attack to only one man. Did Torres felt lonely? No, in fact, he felt free. He left the nest (?). He was wearing his real international dimension. Nevertheless, a doubt was subsisting. Was he a man of huge events?
“Fernando will have to bear even more responsibilities, but he’s ready to do it. This final will give him the occasion to show what he can do.” Said the big Emilio Butragueno at the eve of the final. This was premonitory: Torres will be elected “man of the match” at the end of the thirty first and last Euro game.
The deadly “banderillas” against Germany.Torres had been immense. Moreover, when he got substituted by Daniel Güiza, fifteen minutes but the final whistle, each substitutes embraced him. It was his talent that the bench was embracing at the same time as the man. His instant of glory shone Vienna’s stadium after half an hour : a shift between Senna and Xavi gave a running start to Torres, “El Niño” confused Lahm, extended the ball to himself, took over the German full back and came, with a flick, to lob Lehmann, lost. Torres: 1, Germany: 0. The one whose reference is Van Basten claimed before the final: “The Spanish group is strengthening and I’m feeling well.”He lightened it. To explain this resurrection, signs coming from Liverpool were forewarning : 33 goals scored this season (24 for the Premier League). The fair haired Fernando ended the season 2007-08 on boiling studs as he scored at the 30th, 32nd, 34th, 37th and 38th days! Signs also could have been read from Spain before his transfer to Liverpool, one year ago : he scores 83 goals in six seasons at Atletico Madrid. Just like a sign, well, if there was another one needed, Torres won his first game with La Roja’s shirt, on September 6th 2003, at Guimaraes, against Portugal (3-0)...
In this European Championship, before inflicting martyrdom to the German rear guard, Torres only scored one, but beautiful goal against Sweden, to ensure the victory of his team, 2-1, on 14th June. The Group D game didn’t really launch his European conquest as he got substituted twice before the semi against Russia. There, he really imposed himself as a leader of the front. Then, on Sunday, he drove Mertesacker and Metzelder nuts, heavy joint(?) washed up by all his runs, calls and assaults.
Torres’ first half-time was bright : after the quarter hour, he showed his studs in the penalty area. Friedrich was still keeping an eye on him, not for long. Afterwards, Torres gave a head butt, and his attempt reached Lehmann’s right post’s base, he was frightened. He came back trying just a bit later, and again as we reached the half-hour, before succeeding, with his mid-length hair, his freckles and his 1m38, his skill, his magic trick at the 33rd minute.
During the second act, Mertesacker was put on the rack one more time, but also Marcell Jansen. While his team suffered with the German counters, Torres didn’t stop his assaults, playing with controls and accelerations. When the victory was acquired, he could scream his joy out : “It’s not only Spain’s success, but also football’s. The team that won is the one that loves the ball the most. Our selection often failed, but not this time, not with this group. I’m proud and happy. It’s my biggest joy with the national team.” Eventually, David Villa ended best scorer of the tournament. So what? Fernando Torres was waiting for his moment, the moment to show his quality and his class. The moment to celebrate this rough pleasure.
