Spain fires coach Julen Lopetegui two days before World Cup opener

Spanish coach Julen Lopetegui has been sacked.
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Spanish coach Julen Lopetegui has been sacked.

The Spanish soccer federation has fired coach Julen Lopetegui two days before the country's opening World Cup match against Portugal.

Lopetegui was let go a day after Real Madrid announced him as its new coach following the World Cup.

Federation president Luis Rubiales says it wasn't the best solution for the national team but the action was needed after it was caught by surprise by Real Madrid's announcement.

Lopetegui's replacement would be announced "soon", Rubiales said.

"We want to thank Julen for all he's done and he's a big reason behind us being in Russia, but we feel obliged to dispense with his services," added Rubiales.

Spain, one of the pre-tournament favourites, will also play Morocco and Iran in their group at the World Cup.