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Semi-finals is aim of Spain, claims Fabregas

06/06/2008

Arsenal midfielder Cesc Fabregas has set Spain the target of reaching the semi-finals of this summer's European Championships.

The 21-year-old, who is hoping to play a role in the starting XI under coach Luis Aragones, says it would be "wonderful" to make it into the last-four in Austria and Switzerland.

Spain are frequently touted as potential tournament winners in the Euros but often flatter to deceive.

Their sole win came back in 1964 and despite being labelled as one of the most talented sides every four years, the team have underachieved on several occasions.

But Fabregas has said he is hopeful of correcting this 'nearly men' tag in 2008.

"It is only logical that our dream is to finish as champions," he told Sky Sports.

"But I think there will be a tremendous fight in the groups and we can only think of each match as it comes.

"The challenge for Spain is obviously to get past the quarter-final stage and it will be wonderful to break that."

Fabregas said it was "a pleasure for any footballer" to just be involved in the tournament.

And despite finding himself on the fringes of the first-team, even though he is the first name on the team-sheet for his club side, Fabregas is keen to secure his spot in the starting XI.

"My first success is to get into the team and then my mission is to help my team-mates achieve a big success," he added.