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Fabregas ready to inspire Spain

Cesc Fabregas was at the heart of Spain's attacking play when he came on in the semi-final
Cesc Fabregas was at the heart of Spain's attacking play when he came on in the semi-final

Cesc Fabregas has declared himself ready if Spain coach Luis Aragones needs him for the Euro 2008 final on Sunday against Germany.

Arsenal midfielder Fabregas came off the bench in Thursday's semi-final win against Russia when David Villa, the tournament's top scorer, picked up a muscle injury to his leg at Vienna's Ernst Happel Stadium.

Spain took the lead through Xavi before Fabregas set up the next two goals in a 3-0 win played during an electrical storm in the Austrian capital.

'I am here when the manager needs me,' Fabregas said.

'It is good, we came here to win the tournament and we got to the final, which I think is the most difficult thing.

'In the final anything can happen, a lot of things can influence the game.'

Aragones admitted the enforced change to a five-man midfield made the difference and that Villa was a huge doubt for the final.

'With Cesc we had another midfielder and it was difficult to control,' said Aragones. 'I know how well he can perform, he is a great player like others in our squad.

'It's better for numbers and pressure (to have an extra midfielder) and that is how Xavi scored his goal. The point is to make them feel free.

'Cesc is 21, he and other players have acquired the experience that you might have of an older player. This is something that matters for the 2008 tournament but I'm sure it will matter for the World Cup as well.'

Aragones may have been talking about the World Cup qualifiers but he refused to be drawn on his own future, and whether he will join Fenerbahce, until after the final on Sunday.

The Spain boss also revealed he has been getting advice from England about how difficult the Germans will be.

'Gary Lineker said that Germany can win against any team they play,' Aragones said. 'I know him because I was at Barcelona with him and he is a great guy.'

Spain took control against Russia in the second half, with Xavi stabbing in from Andres Iniesta's pass before Fabregas set up Daniel Guiza and David Silva.

Iniesta, who was named man of the match, said: 'To me the most important thing is the happiness everyone feels, we made it to the final and wanted it so much.

'The reward is for everyone, we all worked for it and it is our work together.'

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