Ferran Torres bounces back with World Cup redemption story

Ferran Torres silenced his doubters with a World Cup redemption on 18 June, scoring and setting up another as Spain erased a two-goal deficit to beat Croatia 3-2 in a Group B thriller at the Lusail Stadium.

What happened in Qatar?

Torres, written off after a slow start in Qatar, turned his tournament around with a 67th-minute strike to pull Spain level before threading a 74th-minute pass to Morata for the winner. His brace of contributions capped a 3-2 comeback win over Croatia that kept La Roja’s knockout hopes alive.

And the goal came from a sharp first-time finish inside the box. Croatia had led twice through Kramarić and Modrić, but Torres’ composure under pressure shifted the momentum. The 22-year-old’s performance drew praise from teammates and pundits alike.

Why it matters for Ferran Torres

This was more than a single result-it was a statement. After missing the Euros through injury and struggling for minutes at Barcelona, Torres used the World Cup to reassert himself on football’s biggest stage. His goal and assist against Croatia marked his first direct involvement in two goals in a single World Cup match.

Spain’s coach Luis Enrique had started him on the bench, but the substitution paid off. Torres’ pace and creativity stretched Croatia’s defence, and his link-up play with Pedri and Gavi added fresh energy to La Roja’s attack.

What comes next for Torres and Spain?

With the win, Spain finished second in Group B behind Japan on goal difference. Their Round of 16 clash against Morocco looms as a test of their tournament ambitions. Torres will need to keep his momentum if he’s to feature prominently again.

The Morocco tie arrives on 30 November at the Education City Stadium. A place in the quarter-finals hinges on another disciplined display from a Spain side that’s rediscovered its rhythm. And if Torres delivers again, his critics may fall silent for good.