The http://www.senore.com/Football-soccer/Barcelona-c38604 midfielder has voiced his surprise at being named part of the starting 11 in La Roja’s encounter against the Azzurri.
Spain’s Cesc Fabregas has expressed that he was pleasantly surprised at being given a start for the Spanish national side in their first match of the Euro 2012.
La Roja Furia began the defence of their European title against Italy this past Sunday. Their first match of the European campaign proved to be a heavily competitive fixture and ended in a 1-1 draw.
Given the importance and hype surrounding the encounter, http://www.senore.com/Football-soccer/Vicente-c36001 Del Bosque was faced with a crucial decision to make, as he had to field an ideal line-up in order to make sure that the World Champions gain a good start to the Euro.
The veteran tactician appears to have a diverse variety in terms of strikers and midfielders. However, choosing the best option was still a hard a task for the former Real Madrid boss as http://www.senore.com/Football-soccer/Italy-c2926 were probably the toughest opponents in their group.
Interestingly, Del Bosque decided to play a 6-man midfield with Fabregas playing up front. The former Gunner had Andres Iniesta and http://www.senore.com/Football-soccer/David-Silva-c10601 to support him as he tried to carry-out the duties of a forward.
The match that ended in tie saw the Spanish mentor’s decision prove fruitful as Fabregas was Spain’s only scorer from the night.
After having conceded a goal soon after the hour-mark, the Reds had to come up with a reply. And they were swift to equalize as the Barca number 4 found the back of the net after receiving a stunning pass from Silva, only four minutes after Italy’s first.
The former http://www.senore.com/Football-soccer/Arsenal-c38429 skipper has stressed that he did not expect to be given a spot in the squad against the Azzurri.
While talking to reporters, the 24-year-old was quoted as saying:
“I didn't expect it either. I was as surprised as anyone. I hadn't played for a month and a half, and with the goal, it was special. So I am happy. It [playing as a false nine] was something we hadn't planned as the Barcelona players only joined the squad
later on, but we have shown we have a lot of [tactical] variety.”
Spain’s next match will be against Ireland and will be played in the Polish city, Gdansk.
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