Euro2008: Fabregas Can Inspire Spain To Final Glory

Cesc Fabregas - like the thoroughbred he is - has timed his run perfectly to inspire Spain to victory in Euro 2008.

Fabregas' season at Arsenal has, in some respects, mirrored the fortunes of Spain's national team over so many major tournaments in that huge promise was left unfulfilled when the big prizes were handed out. This has every chance of changing when Spain face Germany in the final of a superb Euro 2008 in Vienna on Sunday. And with David Villa a major doubt through injury, Spain will look to Fabregas to repeat a performance in the semi-final win against Russia that was just stunning.

The loss of Villa before half-time could have been a bitter blow to Spain's infamously fragile temperament, but Fabregas did not just come on and compensate for his absence, he improved a top-class side with his brilliance. It was enough to convince me that Germany, resilient but ordinary if you remove Michael Ballack from the equation, will be beaten by Spain in the final.

Fabregas did not just create goals for Daniel Guiza and David Silva, he formed an instant partnership with Fernando Torres in the same manner Steven Gerrard did at Liverpool in the second half of last season. He pulled the strings in midfield, but also provided attacking support - and looked the complete midfield package.

It's a dangerous business backing against Germany, but the evidence of our own eyes throughout this tournament suggest Spain are vastly superior, providing they do not fall into the same traps that claimed Portugal in the quarter-final. I hope Spain go on to win the final because it will be a justified outcome - the best side in the tournament will have emerged triumphant.