Absolutely Fabregas

Midfielder Cesc Fabregas netted the winning goal for Spain in penalty kicks against Italy Sunday, setting up today's semifinal against Russia. These penalty kick situations can be nervous, but with one goal needed for the win I was hoping my boy from Arsenal would be called upon to take the kick. He was, and that was that.

I should also note the clutch saves by Spanish goalkeeper Iker Casillas (below) on two PKs that set up the win.

I wasn't really rooting for either side going into the game, but when you combined Fabregas' presence with the annoying play of Italy, Italy's annoying players and Luca Toni's mustache, well, rooting for Spain became pretty easy.