Things are getting better though and through a degree of tokenism (that and their undeniable brilliance) the football mad Catalonians are making it into the squad, up steps Cesc Fabregas, willing to wear the shirt and eager to play international football. For his troubles he gets a place in the team and on the bench with the opportunity to be called into play when the Spanish team needs a miracle... or a fall guy. You will notice that he was given the important penalty against Italy – this was not down to any respect for his ability (as, until that moment, he had not taken a penalty since he was 15) this was because if anyone were to take the blame for Spain not getting to the semi-finals it would be a Catalan... despite the fact that it was the efforts of the same Catalan in that match that got them into the position to knock Italy out in the first place.
Fabregas stepped up, took the poison chalice, and scored... middle Spain what say you now?
Middle Spain, it seemed, remained in denial and left him on the bench again against Russia... Villa got injured and on came Cesc, yet again, as the potential fall guy. Yet again he stepped up to the challenge and yet again he ran the show with a sublime performance that nobody in middle Spain could deny. So what are this morning's Spanish papers saying about this Catalonian who is out there living and fulfilling the adolescent dreams of the conservative centre right - and proving himself 100% worthy of the respect that he is due in every challenge that is laid before him? I would really love to know – are popular opinions changing over there?
Let's hope we see Fabregas start in the final against Germany... he's the stone cold fuckin' nuts and everyone with half a brain knows it.
Still one thing bothers me about the Spanish side that hadn't struck me until last night – like Germany; they too looked almost too comfortable in their fitness levels for the amount of matches they have played...
...One thing's for sure though, with both teams still relatively fresh and everything to play for - It's going to be a cracker of a final!*Adebayor news*
To quote:
"When I was young I had a dream to be a good footballer and play for a big team," - Adebayor
"I was born in Togo so I never cared about playing for money, my happiness was to play to enjoy myself. That's what I've been doing until now." - Adebayor
"You can see people changing clubs because of money, because they want a change of atmosphere or to get their names in the big leagues. I just play football to enjoy myself. I play because I love it." – Adebayor
"We all have the same ideas and we all want to achieve something. We have a good boss which is Arsene Wenger. He tries to bring this atmosphere to the dressing room where we feel like brothers and like family." – Adebayor
"Those are the reasons that give us a chance to play the football we play. We play good football, now we look forward to winning trophies." – Adebayor
Nuff said – I hope that's clear enough for you Vincenzo, now crawl back to your fucking hole. Ade - I fucking love you for paying us back with loyalty for our faith... for those with a short memory (and there are a few) this is the SECOND time he has come out and publicly stated that he's going nowhere.
I'm now officially happy.
:-)
