The 2010 World Cup will go down in history for Spain because of Andres Iniesta's goal and Iker Casillas' save to deny Arjen Robben. But, to understand how difficult it was, you have to go back to the group phase. Cesc Fabregas spoke about in a chat with 'Marca'.
After the lose to Switzerland and then the victory over Honduras, Spain faced Chile in a do or die match and the team knew it.
"There was certain concern, but at the same time confidence that the group could get the job done. I remember tough nights and training sessions because, despite the fact we had the confidence we could do well and overcome the situation, the loss to Switzerland really hurt us," the midfielder said.
"After that match against Switzerland, there were days of lots of tension because we knew that the second match was easier. The match against Chile was when I noted more tension. I don't know if fear, but definitely more tension on the bus to the stadium. You could hear a pin drop. There were moments of nervousness because we knew that a small mistake, such as a red card, an own goal or a stupid thing would see us going home. It would have been a major disappointment for the whole country without doubt," Fabregas admitted.
That 1-2 win over Chile sent Vicente del Bosque's men in the last 16. From then on, the team gained confidence: "From then on in, our World Cup started, we played how we knew. We won all the matches 1-0, but, apart from the game with Paraguay, we were the better side in all our games. The Portugal match was a bit more even. Llorente's introduction changed the contest a bit. We knew how to adapt. He helped us a lot."
After beating Portugal and Paraguay, it was time for Germany in the semi-finals: "It was a very good game by us. They have a couple of chances to knock us out. It was very hard fought, but Puyol's header was unforgettable. I still remember it and from then on, we continued with confidence."
The final against the Netherlands was very tough with opportunities for both. But Jesus Navas coming on changed the course of the match, especially with that run in the second period of extra time. "I started going up the touchline and Jesus went like lightning. The ball was for me, for Andres (Iniesta) and then came Fernando (Torres). He was almost in the opposition area and he got away from his marker similar to how Iniesta did. I went back a little to wait for the ball to end up there. The ball came to me halfway up, I controlled and I saw Andres (Iniesta), who was not offside. It favoured us that Van der Vaart was not a defender. Then there was an explosion of adrenaline, joy and happiness," Fabregas recalled.
He finished up talking about the team's return to Spain: "It was spectacular. We experienced something similar in 2008, but I never saw anything like that in other countries. I doubt it was anything as incredible as that 12th July in Madrid. We were told that it would be two hours on the bus and it was four and a half. People were blocking the streets. They were everywhere, from the airport. You couldn't see a car, only people walking, jumping and dancing in the streets of Madrid. Crazy, incredible."