World cup 2010 Semi Final : Spain and David Villa Prepare for Germany
Despite suffering from a shoulder injury in Spain’s 1-0 quarter final victory over Paraguay on Saturday, midfielder Cesc Fabregas has confirmed he will be playing in Wednesday’s world cup semifinal match against Germany. That match will be held at Durban’s Moses Mabhida Stadium.
Spain would not reveal which shoulder has been bothering Fabregas but he had stopped practising early Sunday as a precaution. In an interview with Spanish media, Fabregas said he has been taking painkilling injections into the shoulder. The injections were to help prepare him to be available for the semi final match, it appears they have paid off.
Fabregas subbed in for Fernando Torres in the 56th minute of the Paraguay game. Spain coach Vincent Del Bosque is still considering benching Torres for Wednesday’s game against Germany because he has not been an asset to the team so far.
In addition to failing to score a goal this tournament, Torres has rarely looked like a threat on the pitch. He has started in four straight games, but done nothing impressive with the ball to prove his merrit.
“He remains a focal point for us,” said del Bosque on Sunday. “To be on a [scoreless] streak or not, he offers hard work and personality and he’ll be our striker. Saying that doesn’t mean he’s an untouchable starter, but we have full confidence in him.”
At least del Bosque does. Rumours have begun escaping from the Spain camp that players are whispering they want Torres off the starting lineup. The 26-year-old has been recovering from a knee surgery in April, and has been playing catch up as best he can, though his game has been mediocre since returning to play.
Spain boss Del Bosque wants Torres in the Germany game because he scored the winning goal against them two years ago in the 1-0 Spain victory at the European Championship. But Torres hasn’t proven to live up to his former stamina. His last goal scored in a competitive international was in the Confederations Cup a year ago.
Del Bosque fiddled with the formation of his players during the Paraguay match, sending in Fabregas for Torres and later Pedro Rodriguez. The offence picked up after Fabregas entered the game, so Spain will be happy the midfielder has recovered enough to feel confident playing against Germany. The Germans have played brilliantly this world cup. They have a strong team of young energetic players who do not tire easily and are precise with their passes.
It’s possible del Bosque will star Fabregas as part of a five-man midfield behind Spain’s golden boy David Villa. Villa is the tournament’s leading goal scorer, with five goals, and the player to watch. This formation is how Spain lined up in their successful run at the Euro 2008 final.
Rest assured Villa is in top form for Wednesday’s match, and will appear in the starting lineup. The striker, bound for Barcelona, could lead the attack alone. He has great stamina and a die-hard attitude. Del Bosque could also bring in striker Fernando Llorente, or midfielder David Silva who has spent most of the tournament confined to the bench.
“We’ve got so much competition in those positions,” Del Bosque said of his unchanging starting lineup. He has used the same formation for three straight games to great success. “We’ve been entrenched in certain things. [But] It’s also our strength – their union.”
This year’s players have made up the most consistent national football team Spain has seen in the past two years. They are favoured to win the World Cup title, though the real test of their staying power will be in the game against Germany.
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