Spain’s 2018 World Cup campaign so far has been marked by drama and disappointment, but La Furia Roja are confident they will hit their stride against Russia.
The 2010 world champions face the hosts in the Round of 16 in Moscow today.
The winner will take on either Denmark or Croatia in the Quarter-Finals, with the loser knocked out. Spain were rocked by the sacking of their head coach Julen Lopetegui just two days before the tournament began.
They started the World Cup with a 3-3 draw with Portugal, before struggling to beat Iran 1-0 and then being held to a 2-2 draw with Morocco. Despite an enviable squad of talent and experience, Spain have been below par.
But head coach Fernando Hierro believes his team is ready to show their best.
“We have players that any one of them at any moment can make a difference,” he said.
“We have a lot of faith, that’s most important. The players have worked very well. My players are very fit not only physically but mentally. We want to be positive and believe everything is going to work out well.
“We shouldn’t fear the unknown. Nobody knows the unknown. We have trust in our group and in our players.
“All will be settled on details… we’re starting a new tournament. We have to be positive, have faith in ourselves and believe things are going to turn out well. And we all are positive that it will.”
Spain have a number of stars from their World Cup-winning side of eight years ago. The likes of Gerard Pique, Andres Iniesta, Sergio Ramos, Nacho Monreal, David Silva and Pepe Reina will be experienced their final World Cup tournament. But there is a new breed of Spanish players ready to emerge such as Marco Asensio, Alvaro Odriozola and Saul.
Russia will have the vast support tonight but Hierro is unmoved.
“We know a football match is decided on the pitch,” he said.
“My lads are used to playing in big stadiums, with a lot pressure, playing away from home. So we have clearly in mind that whatever’s going to be achieved will be achieved on the pitch.
“It’s all about tomorrow, what happens at 5pm. The rest is irrelevant. We know we’re going to play against the hosts. They’re going to be supported by the people, watching in the stands and on television.
“But we’re also going to have 11 million Spaniards no less watching us on television. And we want to do as best we can.”
