Spain vs Netherlands: Cesc Fabregas, Fernando Torres or Pedro: Vicente Del Bosque Facing a Dilemma
Although everyone praised Spain initially for the superstars in their side, it has proven to be a problem now. Even the Spanish bench included exceptional players with great qualities, like Cesc Fabregas, David Silva and Pedro. However, now everyone wants a chance to start in the World Cup final against Netherlands, which has left the coach, Vicente Del Bosque, facing a rare dilemma. Everyone is good enough to play in the starting line-up, but Del Bosque has only eleven options. Everyone now would be waiting for the final choices of the coach, as the players have made their final pleas.
Cesc Fabregas made a statement in the press saying that he would be happy if he is selected for the World Cup final. Cesc also said that he would be satisfied to play some part in the historical match, which can prove to be a success for the Spanish side for the first time in their football history. Also, Fabregas, Arsenal’s captain, assured all that he is ready to give his best in the match if he plays. This showed a real sign of desperation by the Spaniard, who did not start in any of the World Cup matches, but played his part in all of them except the semifinal against Germany. However, Fabregas was also elegant enough to show his full support for the Spanish team, even if he is not the choice of the manager for the final showdown.
Fernando Torres was the other one to make his pleas to the manager. He is reported to have reminded the manager of his match-winning performance in the Euro 2008 final, and he wants his first team place back on that basis. Fernando Torres was given a start in five matches before the semifinal, but he failed to impress at all. He did not score any single goal or even made a good impact on the games, due to which he was finally put on the bench for the semifinal.
Instead of Torres, Vicente Del Bosque started Pedro in the semifinal. Pedro did not disappoint his manager, and proved that his choice was right on the mark. He gave a man of the match performance for Spain, as they won the match by 1-0. Also, David Silva seems to be back on the track, as he was also brought on in the semifinal, to give him some taste of the final game ahead.
All this puts a lot of pressure on Vicente Del Bosque, who will have to make his decision before the final. All these players are of exceptional quality and skills, but the choice is limited. Only one place is there in the team, and this time Vicente Del Bosque cannot go wrong. Let us take the example of Cesc Fabregas, who is an exceptional midfielder. In the matches where he came on for the Spanish, his impact was clearly visible. The passing in the midfield suddenly improved, and the attackers looked more threatening. There is no doubt that Fabregas brings a lot of quality in the team, as the midfielder has an eye for goal. He is also renowned for his goal-scoring abilities, as he has done so for Arsenal on a number of occasions.
However, right now the only thing that would put Pedro’s place in the starting line-up in danger would be his display of selfishness in the final moments of the match. The Spanish had a great chance to finish the semifinal match before the final whistle with a second goal, but instead of playing a free Torres, Pedro tried to do it all by himself. He failed to do so, losing possession of the ball, and the disappointment on his face, the anger on Del Bosque’s face, and the stunned fans said it all. The coach even showed his anger as he replaced him in the final minutes without letting him finish the match in style.
There is no doubt that Torres has lost his place in the final team. If Del Bosque does otherwise, this would be one of his biggest mistakes. The nature of the match does not allow him to play an out-of-form player, when a lot of quality is left unused on the benches. It would definitely be a choice between Fabregas and Pedro, because if Torres is selected, it would be an insult to these two superstars, who have earned their right to represent their nation at the biggest match in Spain's football history.
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