Spain fire coach Julen Lopetegui 2 days before World Cup opener
Football | June 13, 2018 16:14 ISTLopetegui was let go a day after Real Madrid announced him as its new coach following the World Cup.
Lopetegui was let go a day after Real Madrid announced him as its new coach following the World Cup.
Eleven players are back from Euro 2016, and 10 were in the 2014 World Cup squad. Only Andres Iniesta, Sergio Ramos, David Silva and Pepe Reina were in the team that won Euro 2008.
Spain remained undefeated in 18 matches under Julen Lopetegui and strengthened its credentials as a favourite for the title in Russia.
Meanwhile, reigning champion Germany starts its defence against Mexico at Moscow's vast Luzhniki stadium in another centrepiece game.
England win their maiden FIFA U-17 World Cup title by defeating Spain 5-2 in an impressive comeback to be crowned champions.
Catch all the live score and updates of the FIFA U-17 World Cup final between England and Spain on Sony Network and Sony LIV.
The move early today came after separatist Catalan lawmakers passed a declaration of independence yesterday.
Lawmakers in the Catalan parliament voted to unilaterally declare independence, prompting the swift crackdown by the Spanish government, which also called an early election in the region.
Madrid's senate passed a motion to place the region under direct rule, plunging the divided country into political turmoil
England are playing in their maiden final in their fourth appearance while Spain have featured as losing finalists on three earlier occasions in 1991, 2003 and 2007.
It is in response to the fears for a unilateral declaration of independence after the region held a self-determination referendum on October 1.
By virtue of this win, Spain has entered the final of the FIFA U-17 World Cup for the fourth time and their first appearance in the title clash 2007 and will face England at Kolkata.
Spain unleashed the full force of their 'tiki-taka' brand of football against Iran in the quarterfinals, running away with a 3-1 win.
Serbia needed a win against Austria to clinch its spot from Group D but it lost 3-2 in Vienna, while Wales kept its chance alive by beating Georgia 1-0 despite Gareth Bale's absence.
The trio will miss Spain's World Cup qualifiers against Albania on Friday and Israel on October. 9.
Spain followed up Saturday's 3-0 win over Italy by crushing Liechtenstein 8-0 to remain top of Group G, three points ahead of the Azzurri, who labored to a 1-0 win over Israel.
Simeone has won five titles with Atletico since his arrival, including the UEFA Europa League and the European Super Cup in 2012.
Italy lost 0-3 to Spain in a World Cup qualifying game which effectively ended Italy's hopes of qualifying for the World Cup directly as group winners.
Spain opened a three-point lead over Italy, taking control of the difficult Group G with three games left for each team.
Saina Nehwal's father and PV Sindhu's mother had a surprise 'fan' waiting for them outside the World Badminton Championship venue.
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