Spain midfielder Cesc Fabregas is resigned to remaining a substitute for Spain at this World Cup, but is doing his best to stay motivated as the European champion progresses through the World Cup.

Fabregas has played only 59 minutes in four games and is not expected to start the quarterfinal against Paraguay on Saturday.

"You try to stay motivated, thinking that you're going to get out, and that you're going to be important during the game," Fabregas said from Ellis Park on Friday.

"You have to stay charged up. Maybe you play, maybe you don't. Anything can happen."

Spain can reach its first World Cup semi-final with a win over the South Americans. But Spain's success in South Africa is coming largely without the contribution of one of football's star players.

The 23-year-old Fabregas reached 50 caps faster than any other Spain player but has so far looked glum in South Africa, not even joining on-field celebrations following the second-round victory over Portugal.

Coach Vicente del Bosque has chosen Xavi Hernandez in the midfield playmaking role and has preferred not to use the two players together as Luis Aragones did at the 2008 European Championship.

Two years ago, Fabregas scored the winning penalty against Italy that helped Spain on its way to its European triumph.

"To reach the quarterfinals of a World Cup is so important and I think everyone's motivated," the Arsenal playmaker said. "What happened two years ago is no longer relevant. What matters is that Spain gets to semifinals and that's it."

Fabregas hopes to get his chance to make a difference in the team's march toward a first World Cup title - but said he won't be sulking on the sidelines if that chance never arrives.

"You hope you can do something in the game and if you are not picked then you still celebrate with the other players and enjoy it," Fabregas said.

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