Fernando Torres believes that this Spain team will be talked about for years to come if they beat Germany tomorrow - the only doubt is whether the Liverpool striker will start the match.
Torres has been in the starting XI for all of Spain's games bar the opener against Switzerland where the European champions were shocked to be defeated 1-0.
Since then the 26-year-old, who arrived in South Africa short of fitness following a knee operation in April, has been chosen to start by coach Vicente Del Bosque but has yet to score or even look close to living up to his reputation.
The Torres question has dominated Spanish thoughts in the build-up to tomorrow's semi-final in Durban, with many keen for Cesc Fabregas to start after La Roja played with much more conviction once the Arsenal midfielder replaced Torres in the quarter-final against Paraguay.
Fabregas picked up a leg injury in training yesterday however and though the Spanish federation say it is not serious, it may just persuade del Bosque to keep faith with Torres, the man whose goal against the same opponents in the final of Euro 2008 gave Spain's multi-talented side their greatest success so far in football.
Torres said: "No player is assured of a place in the starting XI. A player has to give 100% in his fight for a place in the team. But if he isn't given the nod by the boss, then he has to cheer on the side from the sidelines.
"If I score against Germany and it takes us to the final that would be unbelievable.
"I hope history can be repeated but above all, that the team wins.
"We have done well in our last games against them but this German team is much better than the previous sides we have faced.
"They have proved to be one of the favourites in this tournament without a doubt."
Spain in fact have never reached even the semi-finals of the World Cup, though they did make a final group of four in 1950 which eventually determined the winner. Torres insisted that it was important the team did not believe their job is already done.
He added: "I don't just settle for being in the semi-finals, I want more.
"Of course it's a success for us as this is the first time our nation has achieved this but we are aware that we may never get this chance again. We have the right to dream and to play a wonderful game against Germany.
"We want to make sure that people will still be talking about this Spain team in two years' time or even longer."
Torres has also had to endure continued speculation over his future at Liverpool, though even when given the opportunity he had not definitely nailed his colours to the Anfield mast. He wants to speak to new manager Roy Hodgson, and view how the sale of the club is developing, before he makes a final decision.
"Once the World Cup is over I will speak to Liverpool and they will explain to me the real situation of the club right now and for the future," said Torres. "I will also speak to the new coach.
"There's time to do that. Right now I want to finish the World Cup and go on holiday. I've been three years without holidays and I want to rest. The situation is not going to change whether I speak to them before or after (the World Cup)."
When asked about reports linking him with a move to Inter Milan, Barcelona or Chelsea, he said: "Honestly, the teams cannot do anything until the end of the World Cup. The players that are here prefer to wait and there is time."