David Villa on a mission to win the World Cup and banish his Euro 2008 despair

Two years ago David Villa was left with a medal and heartbreak.

This time the Spanish striker is determined to go one better and win the World Cup to banish his Euro 2008 despair.

Villa, Barcelona’s new £35m striker, is Spain’s five-goal top scorer and the leading marksman in South Africa.

It was a similar story in the European Championships as he began the tournament in great style only for injury to force him out of the Euro 2008 final against Germany.

Liverpool striker Fernando Torres stole all the glory, scoring the winner to beat tonight’s opponents.

And yet the roles have been reversed this time, with Villa in electric form and Torres struggling badly, being substituted in every game he has started.

But Villa has paid tribute to his non-goalscoring partner and believes their double act has been crucial for him and is one of the reasons why Spain will overcome Germany in Durban.

Villa said: “We have a very strong understanding and partnership. That is the quality of this squad, the relationship between the players.

“He has helped me during games and every time he plays he gets stronger and that will help the team.

“I have enjoyed the games so far and the chances and goals have come for me. But I do not want to stop here.

“Everyone knows what happened in Euro 2008 and any player wants success but to also be part of that success.

“Being injured was hard for me that time and now I feel strong, confident and determined to help Spain make history and then I can enjoy great memories.”

Villa has once again been Spain’s talisman, scoring the goals that have taken them into the semi finals.

And yet Spain have not been at their best. Torres has been the biggest example as he struggles to regain full match fitness, having missed the end of Liverpool’s season after undergoing knee surgery.

But Xavi and Andres Iniesta have also not hit top form and Spain boss Vicente Del Bosque faces a dilemma as to whether to make a change and bring in Cesc Fabregas.

Fabregas has had a shoulder injury but is expected to be fit and, despite Spain’s sluggish start, Barcelona defender Gerard Pique insists they will come good, especially with Villa at the top of his game.

Spain centre half Pique said: “Spain have the best level of attack. Villa and Torres are the best pairing in the world.

“Fernando exploits the space, Villa scores and they have an excellent understanding. David is sensational for us.

“He is so prolific for us and that will mean that Germany are scared for the match. They know he is such a threat. He is enormous for us in moments like these.

“It’s true that the squad has not been at our best or usual level in this World Cup but with each game there is the chance to show why we are European champions.

“I don’t know whether Spain are the favourites. These matches are always 50-50 and the smallest thing can decide games.

“My hope is that we can score first. That will be a big psychological barrier for us. If we can make it 1-0 that will be a perfect moment for us.

“A semi final against Germany is a historical moment for us as well but we are not satisfied with that. Our challenge now is to reach the final.

“We are dreaming of the final. To fail to reach the final will not be a disaster but still a great disappointment.

“We know this game will be so tight that it will be a case of which team plays better on the night.”

Germany striker Miroslav Klose has been in prolific form for Germany and will carry the biggest threat as he closes in on World Cup history.

But Pique insists that the Germans will not hold any fears for Spain and, having played at the top for Barcelona, he can handle the danger.

Pique added: “I don’t have any fears about the German forwards. A Barcelona player is prepared for any challenge, our games are always intense.

“Klose is not the only danger for Germany. They are a strong team unit and have improved so much. They work together and are so compact.

“That is a problem for us because it’s necessary to stop all of the German team and not just two of their forwards.”

Spain midfielder Sergio Busquets added: “We have not yet played at our perfect level. We can get better and we all know that. That is also the threat for our opponents.

“To play against Germany, Schweinsteiger and Ozil is a great challenge for me. This is a unique experience for me and that makes it more special.

“I was not part of the Euro 2008 team and now the dream is to reach the final and become world champions.”