Spain needs to keep faith with Torres: Villa

London, July 1 (ANI): Spain needs to keep faith with Liverpool striker Fernando Torres, say football mates David Villa and Gerard Pique.

The Liverpool striker is struggling for form in contrast to strike pal David Villa, who hit his fourth goal in the finals as Spain beat Portugal 1-0.

Torres, who had his second knee op of the season in April, was again substituted in the second half of the last-16 tie as he faded after a bright start, the BBC reports.

But Villa believes Spain have to keep faith with Torres in Saturday's quarter-final against Paraguay.

Villa said: "We know what state his knee was in a month ago and I don't agree with those who say his performances have been below par.

"The only blame you can pin on him in the opening stages is that he hasn't scored. His desire to be with the team has been spectacular," he added.

Team-mate Gerard Pique said: "Fernando needs time. He's just had an operation and it's always difficult for a player after that.

"It takes time to come back from that kind of situation. But I think he's playing better with every game," he added. (ANI)