Fabregas fired up for Denmark date

Cesc Fabregas is preparing for Spain's "most important game since the [2006 FIFA] World Cup" as they take Group F rivals Denmark in Aarhus on Saturday.

Question mark
Luis Aragonés' side top the section with 19 points but defeats against Northern Ireland and Sweden at the start of the campaign have left a question mark over their chances of reaching UEFA EURO 2008™ next summer. Both fourth-placed Denmark and third-placed Sweden have two games in hand on Spain and second-placed Northern Ireland, and Arsenal FC star Fabregas is feeling the pressure.

Necessary evil
"We can't settle for a draw [against Denmark]," said the midfielder. "The players will be very fired up to win the three points. If we have to use their tactics, like aggression or long balls, then we will but with the sole intention of winning the game. This is our most important match since the World Cup because if we lose, Denmark close in and our destiny is no longer in our hands."

Danish position
The Spanish squad gathered in Madrid on Monday to begin intensive training in preparation for Saturday's game. Spain won 2-1 against Denmark in their home fixture back in March but can expect a much sterner examination in Aarhus from a Denmark side who know that wins in all four of their remaining games - three of them at home - would take them to the finals.

'We have to win'
Real Madrid CF defender Sergio Ramos knows the game could well be decisive for both sides but insisted: "We have to go into the match calmly but knowing that everything is at stake and that we have to win. Now we have a few days to work and get to know our rivals. We need the three points against a difficult opponent who are also playing for a ticket to the finals."