Russia

By Mitch Phillips

VIENNA, June 26 (Reuters) - Barcelona have made a bid for the number 10 expected to light up Thursday's Euro 2008 semi-final but it was the one who got away, Spain's Cesc Fabregas, rather than Russia's Andrei Arshavin, who turned the match.

Arshavin's club Zenit St Petersburg said Barca had bid for the midfielder and he played on Thursday as if he was trying to impress his potential new employers, over-doing the dribbling and too often running into trouble.

Fabregas, however, who left Barca at 16, grabbed his chance of playing more than his usual late cameo role, having been introduced after 35 minutes for injured striker David Villa, and went on to play a key role in Spain's 3-0 victory.

Spain already looked sharper than in their ponderous efforts during a goalless quarter-final with Italy, but Fabregas's arrival shifted them up a gear and made all the difference.

With five in midfield, they soon took control of a game that had been fascinatingly poised after some positive early probings from both sides.

Xavi, who rarely advanced beyond the centre circle against Italy, surged forward to start and finish a move that put Spain ahead after 50 minutes. From then on, there was only going to be one winner.

Fabregas, who scored the decisive penalty in the quarter-final shootout, forced a spectacular save out of Igor Akinfeyev with a thumping 25-metre shot.

But it was a clever first-time flick to set up fellow substitute Daniel Guiza after 73 minutes that encapsulated his thoughtful, deft contributions on a sodden pitch and effectively settled the match.

FABREGAS PROVIDER

He was the provider again for David Silva's third, sweeping in a crisp, low cross that demanded to be slammed home.

Fabregas, still only 21, began the tournament defending himself against claims he does not reproduce his Arsenal club form on the international stage.

But has been the model of a squad man at Euro 2008 with his comments about making any contribution he can.

Coach Luis Aragones looks to have had his selection decision for Sunday's final against Germany made for him by the news that Villa is set to miss the game with a thigh injury, clearing the way for Spain's most creative player to start from kickoff.

However far Barcelona's boardroom might take their interest in Arshavin in the weeks ahead, they will probably also rue once again the departure of Fabregas.