Spain's opener against Portugal: The focus is on Hierro

New coach Hierro, who was still Spain's sports director when he arrived in Russia, emphasized when he quickly took office around 48 hours before the game in Sochi: "I will not tear down in two days everything that was built up in two years." Sergio Ramos, Captain of the Spanish national team, has demonstratively called on the team and the fans to unite.

Spain captain Sergio Ramos called on fans to unite. © APA/afp / ODD ANDERSEN

According to consistent media reports, many players wanted to keep Lopetegui, under whom they had not lost 20 games. But the new association boss Luis Rubiales felt disrespected by Real President Florentino Pérez and kicked Lopetegui out the door. Hierro, once a tough defender in the national team and at Madrid, was suddenly promoted to head coach - and now has to hold together the camp of Real professionals like Ramos and Isco as well as Barcelona players like Andrés Iniesta, Gerard Piqué and Sergio Busquets. Cristiano Ronaldo: “We will fight until the end” Cristiano Ronaldo will show no mercy for Real legend Fernando Hierro. The superstar and world footballer could be the big beneficiary of the coaching chaos in his neighbor in the first World Cup clash between Portugal and former world champion Spain. Two years ago the Portuguese became European champions, now they want to conquer the world stage. “We will do the same as in 2016: fight to the end and see what happens,” Ronaldo announced, regardless of the explosive situation for Hierro. Portugal superstar Cristiano Ronaldo. © APA/afp / ADRIAN DENNIS

Spain has charted a path to success: La Roja became European and then world champions in 2008 and 2010, before another European title followed in 2012. And for 2018 they were considered one of the top favorites under coach Julen Lopetegui - until he had to leave unexpectedly on Wednesday. Portugal coach Fernando Santos doesn't believe that this could have an impact on the game. “That doesn’t count for tomorrow’s game. Spain wants to win and they can too. But that’s exactly what we want,” said the 63-year-old. “Spain has been playing the same style for ten years. That’s why I don’t think there will be any surprises.”

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Spain's opener against Portugal: The focus is on Hierro

After the chaotic coaching change, co-favorites Spain start the World Cup against Portugal on Friday evening in Sochi. The focus is particularly on Spain's neo-coach Fernando Hierro.

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