When Spain takes on Joachim Low’s side in the FIFA World Cup semi-final on Wednesday, Cesc Fabregas does not anticipate a repeat of the mind games that dominated the build-up to the Germany-Argentina clash. The two countries who met in the final of UEFA EURO 2008 when Fernando Torres‘ goal earned victory for Spain and the Arsenal midfielder insists there is a “good relationship” between the two countries.
Germany demolished England 4-1 and Argentina 4-0 and they are favorites to win their last-four clash, although Fabregas is unconcerned about it.
Spain midfielder said, “We have watched all of Germany’s games. When you are here, you don’t stop watching football and we know every team. They are a very strong side, probably the strongest side in the tournament at the moment. As a team they are very quick on the counter-attack but defend very well. I like [Bastian] Schweinsteiger. He is playing really well. He is having a great World Cup. You never expect Argentina to lose 4-0 but in football today anyone can beat you”.
He added, “I don’t mind if Germany is favorites. If they want to be favorites, we will accept that. We just want to play the game, we want to be a strong team, we want to beat them, and we want to reach the final. We are proud of what we have achieved so far but we want to go all the way. We are very excited about the semi-final. It is the first time in our history we have reached the World Cup semi-final so we will try to do well in it. We have watched all of Germany’s games. . . . They are a very strong side, probably the strongest side in the tournament at the moment”.
In the tournament, David Villa will be looking to add to his five goals, including Spain’s late winner in their quarterfinal success over Paraguay. Claims from some pundits that Villa is currently the best striker in the world, Fabregas has no thoughts one way or the other.
He said, “I don’t care if he is the best or not. All that matters is he is playing really well and he is scoring goals and that is what we want. If they want to say he is the best, then he is the best. If not, we don’t care because we know he is good for us.”
Spain will face stiff resistance from Germany, who has been in prime form, defeating top teams to reach the semifinals. It will not be easy job for the Spanish boys, they have to given in their best and toil hard to edge past the Germans. This will be one hell of a game and will also make for interesting soccer bet.
If you would like to make a comment, please fill out the form below.
You must be logged in to post a comment.
