Torres: Spanish hero

Torres Total Hat-Tricks 08/09

None: 9/4

Exactly 1: 15/8

Exactly 2: 5/2

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Rafa Benitez has spoken of his pride at Fernando Torres' performances at Euro 2008.

The Liverpool boss was speaking in the wake of the Reds striker's match-winning performance for Spain in the final of the European Championship.

The Spanish star scored the only goal of the game against Germany on Sunday, securing his country's first major title in 44 years.

Torres had come under fire from certain sections of the media in his homeland for his failure to replicate his club form on the international stage.

However, having silenced those doubters his club manager was delighted with the manner in which the 24-year-old conducted himself throughout the summer.

Proud

As a Spaniard himself, Benitez was also thrilled that one of his players had been able to bring glory back to a nation starved of success for so long.

"I am very proud of Fernando, especially after he has been criticised from some journalists in Spain," he said.

"Everyone remembers the Marcelino goal from 44 years ago, and the last final Spain were in was 24 years ago.

"Now people will talk about Torres in the same way, I am very proud of him and what he has achieved."