Iniesta retires from Spain after World Cup loss to Russia
Football | July 02, 2018 10:18 ISTIniesta, who scored the winning goal in the 2010 World Cup final, had already hinted this would be his final tournament with the national team.
Iniesta, who scored the winning goal in the 2010 World Cup final, had already hinted this would be his final tournament with the national team.
The 2010 World Cup champions Spain, have a tough task set up on the road to glory as they take on hosts Russia for a spot in the quarterfinals.
Police dog appears to perform CPR on partner in Spain
With Portugal also drawing with Iran, Spain progressed as group winner because it scored more goals.
The 2010 champions can go through if they beat or draw with already-eliminated Morocco or if Portugal beats Iran in the other match in their group.
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.
Top News
Latest News