Fabregas in dream act

It is what dreams are made of for all footballers.

If you do not agree, ask Joan Cruff, Marco van Basten, Roberto Baggio, Zico, Paolo Maldini, Michel Platini and even Miroslav Klose just what it would have meant to be called a world champion.

To the delight of most Arsenal fans, a man who has served the club well enough to even merit the go ahead to a desired departure this summer, has got his hands on that famous old trophy.

And it was no fluke either. Fabregas, unlike a typical less recognized World Cup winner, was not there to just make up the numbers for the Spanish national team.

His contributions were often limited to coming off the bench during the tournament, but when he finally did so again on Sunday, Cesc was half responsible for the Spanish victory, teeing up Iniesta who netted the game winner.

He became the first Gunner to claim a winner’s medal in the competition during his Arsenal stay since Emmanuel Petit and Patrick Vieira did in 1998 – all at the expense of the unfortunate Robin van Persie of course.

Cesc Fabregas was always going to be involved one way or the other today.

Arsenal’s skipper sat on the bench for 85 minutes until Vicente del Bosque sent him into action with Spain growing desperate.

And following his introduction, Fabregas teamed up well with fellow midfield maestros Xavi and Iniesta in probing the Netherlands’ tiring defense.

Playing out the biggest minutes of his career, the 23-year-old was more adventurous than ever in attack as he hit a long range effort just wide after a strong run from midfield before finding himself through on goal moments later.

But the normally cool-headed Spaniard fluffed his lines this time as the goalkeeper saved his shot.

Fabregas though, made amends in the dying seconds of extra time as his killer pass found Iniesta who thumped home the winning goal.

[vodpod id=Video.4004840&w=425&h=350&fv=]