Coaches agree nothing changes after Lopetegui as Spain and Portugal go head to head

Source: Xinhua| 2018-06-15 03:03:29|Editor: Mu Xuequan
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SOCHI, June 14 (Xinhua) -- Neither Spain coach Fernando Hierro nor his Portuguese counterpart, Fernando Santos believes the sacking of Julen Lopetegui from the Spanish national team on Wednesday will have much effect on the Spanish play at the World Cup when the two sides go head to head in the Ficsht Stadium in Sochi on Friday night.

What is tipped to be the decisive match of Group B in the World Cup comes after a frantic 48 hours which ended with Lopetegui losing his job after Real Madrid announced on Tuesday he would take over at the Santiago Bernabeu.

Hierro told the press on Thursday that the players had worked well under Lopetegui for the past two years to qualify for Russia and had also prepared intensely for the competition.

"We have to respect the work that has been carried out we trust in our players and we are fully fit and prepared after two weeks of intense work," he commented.

Hierro admitted he had not had much time after his appointment and "so I am not going to change much, we have a clear goal in mind and there are still a lot of the coaching staff, who are still here, you will see the Spain squad you are used to. We have been playing excellent football for a long time now," he said.

The Spanish are likely to line up with David de Gea in goal, while Nacho Fernandez, Sergio Ramos, Gerard Pique and Jordi Alba in defense.

Sergio Buaquets will be the midfield lynchpin, supported by Koke, David Silva and Andres Iniesta, with Diego Costa, Iago Aspas, Isco and Lucas Vazquez disputing the last two places in the side.

Meanwhile Santos, who two years ago led Portugal to the European Championship, was also expecting to see the Spain of always.

"Spain has played the same way for 10 years, I don't think there will be any surprises, what is important is the players," commented Santos.

"It is the opening game for two great sides, with great players and now we will have Fernando Hierro against us," he concluded.

The Portuguese will again put their faith in Cristiano Ronaldo in attack, though Santos highlighted the team was more important than any individual and will field a solid defense built around, Pepe, Bruno Alves and Jose Fonte protected by William Carvalho and Joao Moutinho.

It could well be the irresistible force against the immovable object as Spain look to press and pass their way to victory, while Portugal look from a whiplash strike from Ronaldo to seal the win.

It was tough to call before Lopetegui's sacking, now it's even harder.

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