• Euro 2012

Ireland game win or bust for Torres

ESPN staff
June 12, 2012
Fernando Torres failed to hit the target against Italy © PA Photos
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Just a game into Euro 2012 and Fernando Torres has claimed Spain are at the point of no return.

The defending champions had to come from a goal down to earn a 1-1 draw with Italy courtesy of a Cesc Fabregas leveller.

Chelsea striker Torres climbed off the bench and missed two good chances during the draw with the Azzurri. It is unclear whether he will start against Republic of Ireland on Thursday, with coach Vicente Del Bosque toying with the idea of persisting with Fabregas as a lone marauder, but it is a game he feels Spain have to win.

"I wouldn't say it's a disaster but we have to win every game now," Torres said. "We knew it was Italy and what we were up against. Now we have to try and finish top of the group."

Del Bosque defended his team selection and Torres was singing from the same hymn sheet, saying: "What's important is Spain win regardless of whether it's with a striker or without. Cesc played a great match.

"It's not a bad result by any means. We were playing against the four-time world champions and once Euro champions."

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