Source: Team_Talk
Fabregas respects German prowess
Cesc Fabregas insists there is a "good relationship" between Spain and Germany ahead of their World Cup semi-final clash in Durban.[LNB] The Arsenal midfielder insists there is a "good relationship" between the two countries who met in the final of Euro 2008 when Fernando Torres' goal earned victory for Spain.[LNB]But Fabregas is unconcerned if Germany, who demolished England 4-1 and Argentina 4-0, are made favourites to win their last four clash.[LNB]He said: "We have watched all of Germany's games. When you are here, you don't stop watching football and we know every team.[LNB]"They are a very strong side, probably the strongest side in the tournament at the moment.[LNB]"As a team they are very quick on the counter-attack but defend very well.[LNB]"I like (Bastian) Schweinsteiger. He is playing really well. He is having a great World Cup.[LNB]"You never expect Argentina to lose 4-0 but in football today anyone can beat you."[LNB]Fabregas added: "I don't mind if Germany are favourites. If they want to be favourites, we will accept that.[LNB]"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.[LNB]"We are proud of what we have achieved so far but we want to go all the way.[LNB]"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."[LNB]But Barcelona target Fabregas is also adamant the two teams will show respect for each other ahead of their meeting.[LNB]He said: "Two years ago we played the European Championship final. We beat them, they could have beaten us.[LNB]"I don't think it is about mind games. These are two teams who have a very good relationship.[LNB]"I don't know if Germany had it with Argentina but I remember shaking all their hands at the end of the Euro final.[LNB]"We have a great relationship so I don't think there is going to be a problem."[LNB]David Villa will be looking to add to his five goals in the tournament - including Spain's late winner in their quarter-final success over Paraguay.[LNB]But Fabregas has no thoughts one way or the other over claims from some pundits that Villa is currently the best striker in the world.[LNB]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.[LNB]"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."
