Cesc expecting a whole new ball game

CESC FABREGAS does not anticipate a repeat of the mind games that dominated the build-up to the Germany-Argentina clash when Spain take on Joachim Löw’s side in the World Cup semi-final tomorrow.

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.

But Fabregas is unconcerned if Germany, who demolished England 4-1 and Argentina 4-0, are made favourites to win their last four clash.

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.

“They are a very strong side, probably the strongest side in the tournament at the moment.

“As a team they are very quick on the counter-attack but defend very well. I like (Bastian) Schweinsteiger. He is playing really well. He is having a great World Cup.

“You never expect Argentina to lose 4-0 but in football today anyone can beat you.”

Fabregas added: “I don’t mind if Germany are favourites. If they want to be favourites, we will accept that.

“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. We are proud of what we have achieved so far but we want to go all the way.”

But Barcelona-target Fabregas is also adamant the two teams will show respect for each other ahead of their meeting.

He said: “Two years ago we played the European Championship final. We beat them, they could have beaten us. I don’t think it is about mind games. These are two teams who have a very good relationship.

“I don’t know if Germany had it with Argentina but I remember shaking all their hands at the end of the Euro final.”

Fabregas has recovered from a heavy fall to be fit for the semi-final in Durban.

The Arsenal midfielder was examined by Spain’s team doctor after falling heavily on his shoulder against Paraguay.

He and defender Carles Puyol, who suffered blurred vision after being hit in the face by the ball, have both been given the all-clear.

Barcelona centre-half Puyol is certain to start alongside Gerard Pique.

Fabregas has yet to start a match in the tournament, but Spain looked a much better side in the quarter-final after he came on to replace Fernando Torres.

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.

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.

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.

“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.”

Joachim Löw, meanwhile insists his Germany team will not be looking for revenge when they meet Spain.

“We are not playing for revenge, those are not the kind of feelings I harbour,” he said.

“In 2008, there is no doubt that Spain were the best team. They were also very good in the final.

“But now the situation is different. We too have a good team and we have every reason to believe that we can succeed.”

However, the German boss warned that Spain have “several Messis” in their ranks, in reference to the much talked about threat of Lionel Messi ahead of their meeting with Diego Maradona’s team.

The World Player of the Year was shut out of the game in Cape Town and Löw continued: “Spain remain the natural World Cup favourites.

“They make it look easy, they don’t have to use up all their energy.

“They not only have one Messi, but they have several Messis. They have a whole range of players that can win a game, so we will have to be very watchful against them.”

The three-time winners have scored a massive 13 goals in their five games so far and conceded just two, with four strikes apiece coming against England and the Argentinians.

However, they will have to cope without one of their star players so far in Thomas Mueller, who is suspended.

Löw admits it will be a blow, but is confident they have plenty of strength in depth to cope with Vicente del Bosque’s team.

He added: “I always knew he had this freedom. He knows how to be dangerous – he has this instinct.

“He’s given us a lot. His suspension is a tough blow but it was expected that someone will miss out in a tournament. When I see the players I have to choose from as replacements then I have a good feeling about it.

“They’re in good form even though they haven’t played a lot. It’s tough to replace him.”