With Torres misfiring, Llorente’s World Cup debut proves decisive in Spain win over Portugal

Llorente’s WCup debut proves decisive for Spain

CAPE TOWN, South Africa — Fernando Llorente’s World Cup debut for Spain played a big part in turning around the team’s fortunes against Portugal.

Llorente replaced the fading Fernando Torres in the 59th minute Tuesday, and his introduction changed the dynamic of Spain’s attack. Four minutes later, David Villa scored the goal that sent the European champions into the quarterfinals against Paraguay on Saturday with a 1-0 victory.

Portugal was forced to adapt its defense to Llorente, the strong and lanky Athletic Bilbao striker who had two headed chances just miss during his half hour of play.

“They opened up and it gave us chances,” Llorente said, “so we adapted.”

The goal provided Spain with the security it needed against a stubborn opponent, and it comfortably controlled the rest of the match to reach the quarterfinals for the first time since 2002.

“I spent a lot of time imagining this moment,” said Llorente. “To go out and have a header chance just after that, and then (for us) to score right after was amazing.”

Llorente has scored three goals in his eight appearances for Spain under Vicente del Bosque, who had the Pamplona native on the Confederations Cup roster last year. The 25-year-old Llorente has scored 41 goals for Bilbao over the past two seasons and has established himself among Spain’s top strikers.

“He’s a special player,” Del Bosque said. “We needed someone who could hold the ball, who could protect it because they had six very tall players.”

Some Spanish newspaper websites have opened up a new debate ahead of the Paraguay match: Should coach Vicente del Bosque start Torres or Llorente?

Del Bosque answered the question on Thursday.

“Our striker right now is Fernando (Torres),” he said. “He’s played four games, a lot of minutes and will play more. We’ve got full confidence in him while we also know that Fernando Llorente brings a lot of qualities too.”

Llorente said he’ll play any role he is asked to.

“There are some incredible players in this team and those on the bench also deserve to play which makes it complicated,” he said. “Everyone deserves it but the coach decides and we just have to be ready when he calls on us.”

Del Bosque said Llorente could feature against Paraguay, which is expected to play defensively against the European champions.

“Both (Torres and Llorente) need to be full of confidence, both need to know they can be helpful,” Del Bosque said.

Indeed, Llorente’s arrival provides a different attacking option that has also left midfielders Cesc Fabregas and David Silva further out of the playing picture.

Silva, who joined Manchester City in a reported $37 million deal on Wednesday, didn’t feature for the third straight game and Fabregas watched the entire 90 minutes from the bench. The Arsenal playmaker, instrumental in the Euro 2008 triumph, has played only 59 minutes in South Africa and was the only Spanish player who didn’t sprint onto the Green Point Stadium field to celebrate the Portugal victory.

“We’ve followed the path marked by former players and coaching staff,” Del Bosque said. “We’ve made alterations but always following the same line.”