Spanish striker Fernando Torres slammed as a slur the idea the defending champions might play for a draw Monday against Croatia knowing a point would send both sides through at the expense of Italy.
"It's a lack of respect," stormed Torres when asked if the Spaniards might feel that a draw would suit them.
"There is no reason to talk of this result occurring - it's a lack of respect," said Torres in response to fears in the Italian media that Italy might fall victim to a stitch up.
"Just to mention it is to call into question all those of us here. We need to win," Torres insisted.
"Neither side is thinking of a pact - to talk like that is not football."
Spain's national football team player Fernando Torres smiles during a press conference after a public training session in Schruns on May 28, 2012. AFP PHOTO / ALEXANDER KLEIN
