Hat-trick hero pays tribute to Torres

Thursday, 06.12.2008, 12:00am (GMT+5.5)

SPAIN'S hat-trick hero David Villa in their impressive 4-1 opening Euro 2008 victory over Russia said he may have grabbed the headlines but his strike partner Fernando Torres should receive an equal amount of praise.

The 26-year-old, nicknamed the Kid, commented that Torres may have been taken off 10 minutes into the second-half by coach Luis Aragones, but without his contribution he would not have scored two of his goals.

“People don't really notice the work he does in terms of creating chances,'' said Villa, who was the first hat-trick scorer in a Euro finals since Patrick Kluivert notched one for the Dutch against Yugoslavia in 2000.

“Two of my goals were due entirely to his huge amount of work in the lead up to them.''

As for whether he agreed with his father, who said that it wasn't his best ever match, he wasn't sure.

“I don't know whether it is my best ever all round performance,'' said Villa, who is expected to leave Valencia.

“But the circumstances are certainly the best, because it was the opening match of a major tournament.''

Villa said he wasn't really concerned whether he would end up as one of the stars of the tournament.

“That doesn't really bother me,'' said Villa, who in 101 matches for Valencia has scored 58 goals.

“Tuesday's match hasn't changed my way of thinking.

“We have only won one match and taken three points and I am happy with how I performed. It is vital we continue to progress in the same direction and that we don't slip into a euphoric mood.''

Spain next take on Sweden, impressive 2-0 winners over titleholders Greece, in Innsbruck on Saturday.

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