Torres gets Mata backing

Juan Mata has defended Spain and Chelsea team-mate Fernando Torres after the striker was criticised for failing to score for his country once again.

Torres has not found the back of the net for Spain since bagging a goal in a 4-0 friendly win over the USA in June.

Prior to that, his last goal for Vicente del Bosque’s side came in September 2010, when he scored a double in a 4-0 Euro 2012 qualifying win over Liechtenstein.

But Mata is not concerned and said the Chelsea striker had the full backing of his international colleagues.

“I live with Torres on a daily basis and he is really eager to score for both Chelsea and Spain,” Mata told AS.com.

“He has played some excellent games for us and I am sure he will continue showing his good form.”

Spain take on Scotland in their Euro 2012 Group I qualifier on Tuesday. They are already through to next year’s finals in Poland and Ukraine, but Mata does not expect motivation to be a problem against a Scotland side needing a win to confirm its own progression.

“Those who play Spain always want to do well and it is an important game for them. They will want to create problems for us. But, there are no easy games. In any case, you don’t just win just to be champions,” he said.