Should Cesc Fabregas Start Tonight?

June 26th, 2008 | By: Daryl | 4 Comments »

Grumpy old Luis Aragones is not too happy about Spain having to wear their away shirts against Russia tonight. Why? Because Spain have abandoned the traditional white away kits in favour of yellow, which is apparently an unlucky colour in Spain.

According to Reuters:

Spain coach Luis Aragones has an aversion to the colour.

He could not abide Atletico Madrid’s yellow away strip when coach of the Primera Liga side and refused to accept yellow flowers when Spain arrived at Dortmund for the 2006 World Cup.

The traditional Spanish superstition surrounding the colour is thought to have arisen because French playwright Moliere was said to have worn yellow when he collapsed on stage performing Le Malade Imaginaire in 1673. He later died at his home.

It’s debatable how much of this is real, and how much is just Aragones being a bit mental. And surely the last thing Spain needs is a ready made excuse for a semi-final exit.

But more important than the colour of tonight’s shirts is which ten outfield players will wear them at kickoff.

Cesc Fabregas has started all of Spain’s important Euro 2008 games sitting down, but looked the business when he came on against Italy. So stubborn old Luis has to decide whether to sacrifice another midfielder (likely either Xavi Hernandez or Andres Iniesta) to make room for the young Arsenal midfielder.

Aragones might be a bit batty (see above) but his stubbornness has paid dividends so far. All that pressure to pick Raul and he consistently said no. The result is a Spanish strikeforce of David Villa and Fernando Torres that possesses the pace, pace, pace a forward line involving Raul never could.

So if you were Luis Aragones tonight, would you reshuffle your pack and start Cesc Fabreagas? Vote below:

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Tags: Cesc Fabregas, Euro 2008 News, Luis Aragones, Moliere, Russia, Spain, yellow

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Comments

By Hawk | June 26th, 2008 at 9:16 am

The reason Fabreagas shouldn’t start is because when he comes on at half time (or later) he is fresh and eager to prove himself so he gives it his all and is faster then the tired defenders whom he faces. Don’t get me wrong, he is an amazing player and if he is ready, I guess the same strategy could work with Xavi or Iniesta. If he has to start, I would put him in for Iniesta over Xavi. In reality all these players are amazing, so we can’t go wrong with any of them. I would also like to see Xabi Alonso play. He played really well at the Greece match. He simply had no luck and he really wanted to score…
Maybe is Senna is hurt or not at his best level. Although Senna’s far shots, pace and defense is very good… I DONT KNOW!!!
All of Spain’s players are sooooo good that I can’t decide who I would play! Aragones has a HARD job. I just hope Spain kills the speculations that they always fail at the important times…
-Hawk

GO SPAIN!

Posted from United States

By jonkon | June 26th, 2008 at 11:29 am

HOLD ON. Fabregas has won an FA Cup in his entire career on one of the biggest clubs, spain has won every match without starting him in this tournament and Fabregas just went another trophieless season as the leader of a talented arsenal team. remind me again, why does he deserve to start? most overrated player by far.

Posted from United States

By Hawk | June 26th, 2008 at 11:42 am

Jonkon
Fabreagas is a very good player. He is a creative and fast midfielder who can also score really good goals and make incredible oppertunities.
The problem is that all the midfielders on the Spanish National team are like that. Xabi Alonso, De La Red, Fabreagas. Even the subs are amazing. So if a high quality player comes in at the half he has a lot of energy and can affect the game ALOT.
BUT
In my opinion he shouldn’t start.
He should replace Senna is we are losing or Iniesta if he isn’t performing. BUT never Xavi. He can create wonderfull chances and score super goals at any point of the match ( Spain vs USA ).
-Hawk

Posted from United States

By Hawk | June 26th, 2008 at 11:44 am

He didn’t start so it dosn’t matter.

Posted from United States

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