MX23RW : Saturday, November 9 02:16:17| >> :120:14534:14534:

Cesc Fabregas: 'Struggling World Cup big nations can afford to panic a little'

Fabregas: 'Big teams can panic a little'
© Reuters
Spain midfielder Cesc Fabregas claims that the World Cup's underperforming big nations can make the most of "a little bit" of panic in their upcoming group games.

Cesc Fabregas has claimed that the World Cup's underperforming big nations can make the most of "a little bit" of panic in a bid to get their campaigns back on track.

Spain, Portugal and Brazil all failed to win their opening games in Russia, but emerged victorious in their second fixtures.

Germany, meanwhile, have lost their one game so far in the competition, with a make-or-break clash against Sweden coming up, while Argentina have just one point from their two matches.

Fabregas recalled the pressure faced by eventual champions Spain in 2010, following their campaign-opening loss to Switzerland, but insisted that some nerves can help stamp out complacency and drive up performance.

"When the [second game against Chile] started, it was very tense - I was on the bench and could see all of the players were nervous, but we also stayed calm, maybe because of our experience," the Chelsea midfielder told BBC Sport.

"The pressure... was not too much for us once the game had started, even in situations like that one. It happened naturally for us and I could just let go and think, 'I have to play how I know'.

"Germany have to do the same against Sweden, and in some ways it is important for them not to panic. But it is also important not to just think, 'Don't worry, we will win this one', because if they think that way they will not be ready, and they will probably lose that one too.

"It is good sometimes to panic a little bit, especially for the top teams like Germany, Spain, Argentina and Brazil, who all failed to win their opening games. It can be a positive to feel that pressure, so you realise that if you don't do well next time, you are going home."

Fabregas has won 110 caps for Spain but failed to make the Roja squad for the tournament in Russia.

ID:328965: cacheID:328965:1false2false3false:QQ:: from db desktop :LenBod:restore:3124:
Restore Data
Share this article now:
Cesc Fabregas in action for Chelsea in the FA Cup final on May 19, 2018
Read Next:
Fabregas jokes about Lopetegui exit
>
Read more about Cesc Fabregas Football
rhs 2.0
Today's games header
Tables header RHS
TeamPWDLFAGDPTS
1Liverpool108111961325
2Manchester CityMan City1072121111023
3Nottingham ForestNott'm Forest10541147719
4Chelsea105322012818
5Arsenal105321711618
6Aston Villa105321715218
7Tottenham HotspurSpurs1051422111116
8Brighton & Hove AlbionBrighton104421714316
9Fulham104331413115
10Bournemouth104331312115
11Newcastle UnitedNewcastle104331010015
12Brentford104151920-113
13Manchester UnitedMan Utd10334912-312
14West Ham UnitedWest Ham103251319-611
15Leicester CityLeicester102441418-410
16Everton102351017-79
17Crystal Palace10145813-57
18Ipswich TownIpswich100551021-115
19Southampton10118719-124
20Wolverhampton WanderersWolves100371427-133


Sports Mole provides in-depth previews and predictions for every match from the biggest leagues and competitions in world football.
Argentina's Lionel Messi kisses the World Cup trophy after collecting the Golden Ball award on December 18, 2022Sign up for our FREE daily preview newsletter direct to your inbox!