Fabregas Poised to be Star Attraction in Euro 2008 Final

Sunday's Euro 2008 final between Germany and Spain (2:45 p.m. ET, ABC) will test Spain's depth. David Villa's second-half leg injury will keep him out of the final, taking his tournament-leading four goals with him.

Cesc Fabregas, the Arsenal superstar, will likely start in Villa's place.Fabregas set up Spain's third goal yesterday, scored by David Silva. Spain hammered Russia, 3-0, to earn its spot in the final. Outgoing Spain coach Luis Aragones doesn't sound too shook up over losing Villa:

"Cesc is 21, he and other players have acquired the experience that you might have of an older player. This is something that matters for the 2008 tournament but I'm sure it will matter for the World Cup as well.''

True, he's leaving his successor in good standing for the South Africa World Cup. He's rotated his team well throughout Euro and going into 2010, Spain cannot lament inexperience.

Fabregas for one could emerge as a giant hero for Spain if he contributes to a victory. Russia's Andrei Arshavin was the rising star of this tournament, but Fabregas has a chance on the game's biggest stage Sunday.

Villa and Silva, meanwhile, still seem to be in Liverpool's plans, joining fellow Spain star Fernando Torres. Everton also has Villa in its sights, but the price may be too high for the "other" Mercysiders.