POTCHEFSTROOM, South Africa - Fernando Torres has yet to spark into life at the World Cup although Spain's Euro 2008 hero has the ideal stage to rediscover his best form in Tuesday's last-16 clash with neighbors Portugal.

After returning from knee surgery shortly before the tournament, Torres was overshadowed by strike partner David Villa in the European champions' three Group H matches and looks well short of his devastating best.

While Villa netted three times, including two of the finest goals so far in South Africa, Torres squandered several chances and looked a shadow of the player who scored a brilliant winning goal in the Euro 2008 final against Germany.