NO PROBLEMS FROM TORRES

Benfica manager Jorge Jesus has said that he believes that Chelsea striker Fernando Torres will not cause Portugal as many problems as Cesc Fabregas, who has been used as the false striker in many matches in the Euro 2012 by the Spanish national team manager Vicente del Bosque.

Portugal will be taking on Spain in the first semi-final knowing that the winner of the tie will be facing either Germany or Italy in the final of the competition. Even though Portugal are not expected to get past the group stages, they have defied expectation by getting to the semifinals of the Euro 2012.

Real Madrid striker Cristiano Ronaldo has been in great from in the last two matches for Portugal. He has come under intense criticism for not performing for the national team, but he proved that he is a big game player by turning on the style in the recent two matches. He will be the biggest threat for Portugal, but Chelsea striker Fernando Torres cannot be considered in the same breath according to Benfica manager Jorge Jesus. He believes that Torres will not cause a lot of problems for Portugal due to the fact that he is a regular striker, while Cesc Fabregas as the false striker is much more threatening.

“For Portugal, it would be better if Fernando Torres plays. I understand Del Bosque’s decision to play Fabregas up front. Hopefully he will play Torres again in the semi-finals, because that would be easier for Portugal. Fabregas tries to find space all over the pitch and is everywhere. He helps Xavi and [Andres] Iniesta and his running is very confusing for a defence. It’s much easier to mark Torres as a clear striker. I, too, would play with Cesc,” said Benfica manager Jorge Jesus to Spanish paper Marca.