Fernando Torres admits he and his Spanish colleagues were taught an important lesson by Euro 2012 quarter-final opponents France back in 2006.
Striker says Spain are better prepared for Les Bleus this time around
Fernando Torres admits he and his Spanish colleagues were taught an important lesson by Euro 2012 quarter-final opponents France back in 2006.
Spain entered a contest with Les Bleus six years ago as strong favourites, with a place in the last eight of the 2006 World Cup believed to be theirs for the taking.
An aging French side were able to raise their game, though, with talismanic playmaker Zinedine Zidane inspiring them to a 3-1 success.
Spain have since gone on to claim European and world crowns, and their efforts have been aided by their past experiences.
Torres admits the France setback on German soil is one that sticks in the mind, with the Spanish offered a painful reminder that nothing can be taken for granted.
"That day, France taught us a good lesson which helped us to grow up as a team, even if only a few players remain from that time," Torres wrote on his
personal website.
"We will hope that this time, our experience will tilt the balance of the game in our favour."
Ready
Torres is hoping the France side that suffered a surprise 2-0 defeat to Sweden during the group stage turns up on Sunday, allowing Spain to remain on course for a successful defence of their continental title.
He said: "France are a great side who perhaps didn't have their finest day (against Sweden).
"We hope that against us they won't return to their best form, but if they do so we will be ready.
"These days, Spain, at its best, is very hard to beat."
