Villa scored in the 83rd minute of today's 1-0 quarterfinal win over Paraguay at Ellis Park with a shot that ricocheted off both posts before spinning over the line.
The Barcelona-bound striker is the first Spanish player to score in four consecutive World Cup matches, and has moved within one goal of matching Raul Gonzalez' national record of 44.
Torres said Villa has been doing a fine job, scoring five of the team's six goals at the tournament so far.
"He's been very, very important for us, a key for Spain scoring a lot of goals," said Torres. "He gives us the opportunity to go forward and think about winning the World Cup."
Like Del Bosque, Villa backed his strike partner ahead of Wednesday's semifinal match against Germany, the same team Spain beat in the 2008 European Championship final — due to Torres' lone goal.
"We're not at all (worried about Torres), since we know what a great player he is," Villa said. "Surely he'll be back to his best as he was against Germany (in the 2008 final). For sure in the next game, he'll reappear and help us get to the final."
Line-Ups:
Spain: Casillas, Ramos, Pique, Puyol (Marchena 84), Capdevila, Xavi, Busquets, Alonso (Pedro 75), Iniesta, Torres (Fabregas 56), Villa
Paraguay: Villar, Veron, Da Silva, Alcaraz, Morel; Barreto (Vera 64), Riveros, Caceres (Lucas 84), Santana; Cardozo, Valdez (Santa Cruz 72)
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