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ESPNsoccernet: World Cup 2010 | |
Spain midfielder Cesc Fabregas insists that Spain are aware of the task facing them in the World Cup semi-finals, after booking a date with Germany thanks to a 1-0 victory over Paraguay.
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Fabregas came on as a substitute in the second-half and was unlucky not to get a penalty, having been brought down by Paraguay goalkeeper Justo Villar just seconds after he had saved Xabi Alonso's retaken penalty.
The decision did not matter as David Villa scored the winner eight minutes from time, and Fabregas was immediately looking ahead to the semi-final clash with Germany, the side Spain beat in the Euro 2008 final.
"It feels good, but there is nothing done yet," Fabregas told BBC Sport. "We know from the past that getting into the semi-final is nothing if you don't reach the final or win.
"We are happy because it has been a difficult game but we want to improve and get into the final. We have watched the game this afternoon and they played really well.
"It will be very difficult because I think they are definitely one of the best teams at the tournament. We just have to play very positive and be at our best we want to beat them.''
Spain coach Vicente del Bosque was not too impressed by his side's display against Paraguay, but admitted he was excited by the challenge of facing Germany in next Wednesday's semi-final.
"It has been a very tough, very uncomfortable match but this is what we expected - they didn't let us play our game," Del Bosque said. "In my time a Spanish side never felt so uncomfortable or passed the ball so inaccurately.
"But now it's an absolutely marvellous moment for Spanish football and our game is at the very top. We didn't play a terribly good match today but we are happy and we know we have the necessary resources to face any rival including Germany.
"It's a great moment for Spanish football. We beat Germany in the final of the Euros but they are among the elite teams and I think that speaks volumes for European football.
"Casillas has been extraordinary and he made two magnificent stops tonight. Villa is at the top of his form and was right there again - perhaps we could have scored earlier but Villa had the hunger.''