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Tag: Spain

  • BREAKING: Former Barca’s coach Luis Enrique named Spain coach

    Ex-Barcelona and Roma coach Luis Enrique has been appointed as Spain manager on a two-year contract.

    The 48-year-old former Spain midfielder replaces Fernando Hierro, who stepped down as interim boss on Sunday.

    Hierro – who is not returning to his role as sporting director – was placed in temporary charge of the team after Julen Lopetegui was sacked on the eve of the World Cup.

    Enrique has been out of management since leaving the Nou Camp last June.

    Spanish Football Federation (RFEF) president Luis Rubiales said: “The decision was unanimous. I like his commitment and he has turned down better-paid jobs in order to coach Spain.

    “He’s a coach who has all the requirements the federation was looking for.”

    He takes charge of a team that were knocked out of the World Cup at the last-16 stage on penalties by hosts Russia.

    Enrique, who played for Real Madrid and Barcelona, won the La Liga, Spanish Cup and Champions League treble as Barca manager in 2015.

    His first game in charge will be a Uefa Nations League game away to England at Wembley on 8 September.

    The RFEF announced his appointment on Monday and also named Jose Francisco Molina, a former Spain keeper, as their sporting director.

  • Heirro steps down from spain role after World Cup exit

    Heirro steps down from spain role after World Cup exit

    Fernando Hierro, Spain’s manager at the 2018 World Cup in Russia has stepped down after a disappointing outing at the tournament.

    Hierro, who led Spain to the last 16 will not return to his former role as sporting director.

    He was placed in temporary charge of the team after Julen Lopetegui was sacked on the eve of the tournament.

    However, the 2010 world champions were knocked out on penalties by hosts Russia in the last 16.

    Hierro, 50, has decided to “seek new horizons”, according to the Spanish football federation (RFEF).

    A statement said the former Real Madrid player had “declined” to return to his previous role and has opted to “undertake new professional challenges”.

    Lopetegui was sacked two days before their opening World Cup match with Portugal after he was named Real Madrid boss.

    Lopetegui became Spain manager in 2016 following Vicente del Bosque’s retirement, and remained unbeaten through his reign.

    In Russia, Spain topped Group B under Hierro. However, they conceded a late equaliser against Portugal and trailed Morocco 1-0 and 2-1 before scraping a draw in injury time.

    After their surprise exit to Russia, Hierro said he accepted responsibility for the team’s failure to advance any further.

    “We all tried to give it our best but that’s football,” he said.

    “I don’t think you can talk about the team breaking down or collapsing. There’s a fine line between winning and losing.”

  • Iniesta retires following Spain’s World Cup exit

    Iniesta retires following Spain’s World Cup exit

    Andres Iniesta, who scored Spain’s winning goal in the 2010 World Cup final, has announced his retirement from international football following the team’s exit against Russia.

    The 34-year-old came on as a substitute as Spain lost 4-3 on penalties to the hosts in the last 16 on Sunday.

    Iniesta’s last kick for his country was to score in the shootout in his 131st – and final – international outing.

    “It is a reality that is my last match with the national team,” he said.

    Iniesta, who made his debut in 2006, also helped Spain win the European Championship in 2008 and 2012 during a glittering 12 year international career.

    “Sometimes the endings are not as one dreams,” added the former Barcelona player. “It is the saddest day of my career.”

    Iniesta ended his 22 year career at Barca in May when he moved to Japanese top-flight side Vissel Kobe.

    He won 32 trophies at Barcelona, where he made 674 senior appearances, having joined the youth set-up aged 12.

    Spain boss Fernando Hierro described Iniesta as “one of the greatest players in our history”.

    “The way he played on the pitch when he substituted on was like he was playing in his first cap and I want to thank him whole-heartedly,” he said.

    Chelsea midfielder Cesc Fabregas, who played with Iniesta at Barcelona and for Spain, added: “Andres doesn’t deserve to go out like this.”

    BBC

  • Russia goalkeeper Akinfeev thanks God for luck against Spain

    Russia goalkeeper Akinfeev thanks God for luck against Spain

    Russia’s penalty shootout hero, goalkeeper Igor Akinfeev, thanked God, luck and the Luzhniki Stadium crowd for bringing the hosts home safely against Spain on Sunday to reach their first World Cup quarter-final since 1970.

    “In the second half, we were trying to defend. We were hoping for penalties and that’s what happened. Thank God,” he said after Russia won 4-3 on penalties when the match ended 1-1.
    Akinfeev stopped kicks from Koke and Iago Aspas, while Russia’s marksmen scored all four penalties they took.

    “Thank God, we were lucky, that’s it,” said the keeper, who like his counterpart at the other end, David de Gea, had had little to break sweat over for the preceding 120 minutes.

    Rewarded with a sponsor’s trophy, Akinfeev acknowledged the part played by an 78,000 crowd in Moscow: “I’m not the man of the match, the man of the match is our team — and our fans.”
    He added: “We’re having a fantastic World Cup.”

    It was the fifth time in a row a World Cup host nation has won a penalty shootout, FIFA said.

    It was also the ninth time that Spain have failed to beat a host of a World Cup or European Championships. They have lost eight of those games, including four at World Cups, the last to South Korea in 2002 — also on penalties.

    Russia will face either Croatia or Denmark in the quarter-finals.

    Reuters

  • [BREAKING] World Cup: Russia cruise to quarter-final after defeating Spain on penalties

    [BREAKING] World Cup: Russia cruise to quarter-final after defeating Spain on penalties

    Spain are out of the World Cup, allowing Russia to advance to the quarter-finals.

    Igor Akinfeev saved two spot-kicks as hosts Russia beat Spain 4-3 in a dramatic penalty shootout to reach the World Cup quarter-finals after their last-16 tie had ended 1-1 after 120 minutes.

    Akinfeev kept out efforts by Koke and Iago Aspas as the 2010 champions – unbeaten in their previous 23 games – became the latest big-name casualty to exit the tournament after Germany, Argentina and Portugal.

    Spain had taken the lead when Marco Asensio’s curling free-kick into the six-yard area hit the ankle of Sergei Ignashevich, who was marking Sergio Ramos, and flew into the net.

    Spain dominated possession but were unable to make it count and were punished when Russia were awarded a penalty.

    Gerard Pique handled Artem Dzyuba’s header and the Zenit St Petersburg forward sent David de Gea the wrong way for his third goal of the tournament.

    Substitute Andres Iniesta went close to winning it in normal time for Spain before Russia scored all four of their penalties in the shootout to the delight of their fans in the Luzhniki Stadium in Moscow.

    Russia, 70th in Fifa’s world rankings, were without a win in seven games before the World Cup. They are now two victories from the final.

  • Davis Cup: Record-setter Nadal roars back as Spain draw level against Germany

    Davis Cup: Record-setter Nadal roars back as Spain draw level against Germany

    Spain’s Rafael Nadal returned to action with a 6-2 6-2 6-3 Davis Cup win over Germany’s Philip Kohlschreiber on Friday.

    The victory helped to set a record for the longest winning streak in the competition’s history.

    World number one Nadal had not played since he retired from his Australian Open quarter-final against Marin Cilic in January with a leg injury, but made light work of Kohlschreiber.

    It helped to draw five-times winners Spain level at 1-1 in the tie.

    Victory meant Nadal set the record for the longest Davis Cup-winning streak in combined singles and doubles rubbers with 23 matches in a row.

    Holders France went 1-0 up against Italy after Lucas Pouille overpowered Andreas Seppi 6-3 6-2 4-6 3-6 6-1.

    Croatia also took the lead against Kazakhstan as Marin Cilic brushed aside Dmitry Popko 6-2 6-1 6-2.

    Nadal was swiftly back into the swing of things in Valencia, dismantling Kohlschreiber after Alexander Zverev blew away David Ferrer 6-4 6-2 6-2 to put Germany in front.

    The 31-year-old Nadal hardly put a foot wrong on his return, having produced 14 of his 30 winners in the opening set of a lop-sided contest.

    Kohlschreiber also went down tamely in the second before putting up more of a fight at the start of the third.

    But 16-times Grand Slam winner Nadal kept his foot on the gas and wrapped up the match in two hours and 33 minutes.

    “It’s positive of course, winning in straight sets, it was a solid match. I feel comfortable back on the clay,” Nadal said on the Davis Cup website.

    “It’s a great feeling to be back. Coming back from injuries is always difficult, but it’s great to be in front of my crowd on a very memorable day. I’m very happy with the match.”

    It seemed plain sailing for Pouille in Genoa after he swept aside Seppi in the opening two sets.

    But the slugfest went the distance after the Italian fought back in front of a passionate home crowd.

    Cilic had an easier task in Croatia’s Adriatic resort of Umag, as he breezed past Popko to put the competition’s 2005 winners in the driving seat.

    The U.S. are at home to Belgium in Nashville in the other quarter-final, with John Isner due to take on Joris de Loore in the opening singles rubber at 2100 GMT.

    NAN

  • Rafael Nadal return to play Spain’s Davis Cup tie against Germany

    Rafael Nadal return to play Spain’s Davis Cup tie against Germany

    World number one Rafael Nadal will play his first match since January’s Australian Open on Friday in Spain’s Davis Cup quarter-final tie with Germany.

    Nadal, 30, will face Germany’s Philipp Kohlschreiber in Valencia on the Spaniard’s favoured clay surface.

    The 16-time Grand Slam winner has been sidelined since retiring with a hip problem against Marin Cilic in his Melbourne quarter-final.

    David Ferrer plays world number four Alexander Zverev, in the other rubber.

    Nadal, who has won his last 22 Davis Cup singles matches, will then take on Zverev in the first match of the reverse singles on Sunday.

    He has not lost a Davis Cup singles match since a debut defeat by Jiri Novak of the Czech Republic in 2004.

    Despite his spell on the sidelines, Nadal reclaimed the top ranking after Roger Federer’s surprise loss to world number 175 Thanasi Kokkinakis at the recent Miami Open.

    BBC

  • Zidane says Isco will remain at Real Madrid

    Los Blancos boss, Zinedine Zidane reveals he has no issue with Isco’s comments over game-time this week and insists he will remain at the Bernabeu.

    Isco, who is reportedly at target for Premier League clubs including Manchester City, Chelsea and Tottenham, said he felt more confidence playing for Spain than his club, after a scoring four goals in a 6-1 thrashing of Argentina.

    Zidane in a pre-match press conference ahead of the Week 29 game against Las Palmas admitted that although Isco does not get the same role he gets at the national team in Madrid.

    Zidane also believes “what he said is open to interpretation” and says the 25-year-old, who has scored seven goals in 40 appearances for Real this season, remains an important part of his squad.

    Real Madrid will also continue the defence of their Champions League title on Tuesday when they face last year’s finalist Juventus in Turin.

  • Isco hit hat-rick as Spain beat Argentina 6-1

    Isco struck his first international hat-trick as Spain extended Julen Lopetegui’s unbeaten run as coach to 18 matches with a supreme 6-1 demolition of Argentina in Madrid on Tuesday.

    Spain were pegged back by Germany for a 1-1 draw on Friday but Argentina – without Lionel Messi due to injury – fared far worse than the reigning world champions.

    Goal.com reports that Diego Costa put Spain in front, Marco Asensio then adding his second assist of the game by setting up Isco, although Nicolas Otamendi headed one back for Argentina before the break.

    That proved a mere consolation for the visitors at the Wanda Metropolitano, though, with Isco on target again shortly after the restart to put Spain in total control.

    The Real Madrid playmaker continued to build on an eye-catching individual performance by helping to tee up Thiago Alcantara for Spain’s fine fourth, Lopetegui’s side sending a warning shot ahead of the World Cup with a fifth via substitute Iago Aspas, who set up Isco to claim the match ball soon after.

    Argentina defender Javier Mascherano endured a miserable night to overshadow a proud landmark as he equalled Javier Zanetti’s national record of 142 caps, while Jorge Sampaoli’s men were shorn of attacking threat in Messi’s absence.

    The visitors should have taken the lead in the eighth minute, Gonzalo Higuain getting in front of Sergio Ramos in the box but cushioning his effort from a left-wing Maximiliano Meza cross wide.

    Spain soon punished that miss as Costa scored from close range, although he was hurt in the process by colliding with Sergio Romero.

    Andres Iniesta won the ball deep in Argentina territory, with Asensio poking a pass through for Costa to beat Romero to the ball and finish bravely. Both players were initially able to play on after a lengthy delay for treatment, although Romero was then substituted.

    Meza almost marked his first international appearance with a goal but Ramos made a fine interception after the debutant swapped passes with Higuain and shaped to shoot.

    Spain’s greater incision in front of goal saw them double their lead, Asensio playing a perfect low cross for Real Madrid team-mate Isco to slot past substitute goalkeeper Willy Caballero.

    Argentina grabbed a goal back in the 39th minute as Ever Banega’s left-wing corner enabled Otamendi to beat Ramos in the air and power a downward header through David de Gea’s grasp.

    Isco restored Spain’s two-goal cushion in the 52nd minute. Iniesta’s superb lofted throughball sent half-time sub Aspas clear, the striker teeing up Isco for a first-time finish.

    Spain were suddenly rampant with Isco turning provider, the midfielder finding Aspas, who touched the ball on for Thiago to slam home.

    -Goal.com

  • Sevilla book Copa del Rey final spot in three seasons

    Joaquin Correa and Franco Vazquez scored as Sevilla advanced to a second Copa del Rey final in three years on Wednesday following a 3-1 aggregate victory over Leganes.

    After a 1-1 draw in last week’s first leg, Correa fired Sevilla ahead in the tie when he tucked home a cutback from Luis Muriel with 15 minutes gone at the Sanchez Pizjuan.

    Leganes had stunned European champions Real Madrid last month to progress to the semi-finals of the domestic cup competition for the first time in the club’s 90-year history.

    But Leganes saw their dream run come to an end when Vazquez finished off a counter-attack in lethal fashion a minute from time to complete a 2-0 win on the night.

    Sevilla will meet either holders Barcelona, who beat the Andalusian side 2-0 after extra time to lift the trophy in 2016, or Valencia in the final on April 21.

    Ernesto Valverde’s Barca head to the Mestalla on Thursday for the second leg after a Luis Suarez goal handed the Catalans a 1-0 advantage in the tie.