Fabregas says Spain are confident

By Mandeep Sanghera
BBC Sport in Stuttgart

Fabregas has impressed for Spain so far in Germany

Midfielder Cesc Fabregas says Spain are beginning to show they can be a match for anyone at the World Cup finals.

Spain booked their place in the last 16 on Monday after coming from a goal down to beat a stubborn Tunisia 3-1.

The win was more hard-fought than the stylish 4-0 drubbing of Ukraine as Spain took their goal tally to seven.

The 19-year-old Arsenal star said: "We have played strong teams, so we are very happy with that. We are showing we do not need to be scared of anyone."

Fabregas came on for the second half against Tunisia and played an influential role in breaking down Spain's Group H rivals.

He also impressed when used as a substitute against Ukraine but is playing it cool over the possibility of earning a starting berth in manager Luis Aragones' side.

"It's not my decision," added Fabregas.

"I had an opportunity against Tunisia, I tried to do my best and I'm happy with what I've done but it is not my decision."

Liverpool keeper Jose Reina is having to settle for a place on the bench but he insists there is an assured nature inside the Spain camp.

"The first people who really believe in this team is ourselves," he said.

"We have a lot of confidence and hopefully will have until the final.

"We have to go step by step but the beginning is done. We don't have to send a message to anyone.

"We only play as well as we can and we have to concentrate on ourselves. We have to take it game by game."