Aragones opts for Raul, Fabregas v France (Reuters) Updated: 2006-06-27 09:39
HANOVER, June 26 - Spain captain Raul and young midfielder Cesc Fabregas
will be in the team for the World Cup second round clash with France, coach Luis
Aragones said on Monday.
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Spain captain
Raul laughs during a news conference of the Spanish World Cup national
soccer team in Hanover June 26, 2006.
[Reuters] | The 67-year-old said he had made the decision to help his side starve the
former world champions of possession in Tuesday's game.
"A coach has to look at the small details that decide games and one of the
things I want to do is to make sure we control the game," Aragones told a news
conference.
"I'm only changing the team in order to strengthen an aspect that will help
us win the game.
"My aim is to hit the nail on the head. I'll be the first to admit if I get
it wrong, but I don't think I will," he added.
"For us it is vital to have the ball and with these two it will be easier to
do that."
Judging by the Monday's pre-match training session Raul will start at the
expense of forward Luis Garcia, while 19-year-old Fabregas will replace
Brazilian-born midfielder Marcos Senna.
Fabregas caught the eye this season with his impressive performances against
Juventus in the Champions League quarter-finals when he outplayed former Arsenal
team mate Patrick Vieira who is a key figure in the French midfield.
PENALTY MISS
Raul, who celebrates his 29th birthday on the day of the match, has a score
to settle with France after missing a last-minute penalty when Spain lost 2-1 to
Les Bleus in the quarter-finals of Euro 2000.
The Real Madrid striker is Spain's all-time leading scorer with 44 goals and
will make his 99th international appearance against France.
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