Spain on the drift for World Cup after Lopetegui is sacked

Spain have drifted to 7-1 with Betway for the 2018 World Cup after the sensational sacking of manager Julen Lopetegui less than 24 hours before the start of the tournament.

Lopetegui was announced as Zinedine Zidane's successor as Real Madrid manager on Tuesday and it is believed his dismissal was a result of the Spanish FA not being made aware of the negotiations.

La Roja were odds-on for their opener against Portugal in Sochi on Friday but the shock news has prompted most firms to ease them to 23-20 to beat the Euro 2016 champions.

Former sporting director Fernando Hierro has been appointed by the Spanish FA to take charge of the team in Russia.

Spain are a general 7-1 to be eliminated in the group stage, as they were in the 2014 World Cup.

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