Arshavin was the only player to play in all 12 of Russia's qualifying matches but a red card against Andorra meant that he was suspended for the opening two group matches in Austria and Switzerland - including his side's 4-1 defeat to Spain.

Since then though the 27-year-old Zenit St Petersburg star has been busy boosting his already-impressive reputation with a series of fine displays, and he could be a key player in the semi-final against Spain.

Media speculation suggests Arshavin could be a team-mate of Fabregas at Arsenal next season, but while the Spain midfielder admits he was formerly in the dark about his upcoming opponent's talents, that is no longer the case.

"I saw him (against Holland), he's a good player. I didn't know him before but he looks good so we have to be careful," Fabregas said.

Fabregas was talking after slotting home the winning spot-kick in his side's 4-2 penalty shoot-out win over Italy in Vienna, a result that sent Spain through to the last four.

The 21-year-old is anything but a regular penalty taker for club or country but he fired past Gianluigi Buffon with aplomb to earn Spain their first competitive win over Italy since 1920.

Talking about his successful kick, Fabregas said: "The goal became a bit small when I looked up but fortunately for me I scored.

"It was the winning one, but if my team-mates hadn't scored before and if (Iker) Casillas didn't save two it could have been different."

Fabregas and his Spain team-mates will now turn their focus to the Russians as they look to move a step closer to their first European Championship win since 1964.

Spain recorded a heavy victory over Russia in their opening group match, but Fabregas - who scored his side's final goal after David Villa had struck a hat-trick - knows things are unlikely to be as comfortable this time.

"We know it will be a completely different game. They have quality, they are competitive, young, and I think it will be very very tough," he said.