MOUTINHO FEARS EXIT WILL INSPIRE SPANIARDS

PORTUGAL will look to bury their opening game hoodoo today – and don’t accept that Julen Lopetegui’s sacking has weakened Spain.

The reigning European champions have not won their first match in the last four major tournaments but remain convinced they are still facing one of the World Cup favourites.

Boss Fernando Santos was decidedly grumpy at the suggestion that Spain were in a mess – while midfielder Joao Moutinho (right) believes the confusion could even inspire the Spaniards.

The Monaco schemer said: “Has it had a negative effect on them? No, I don’t think so. As a positive? Maybe. Spain will have prepared in the best possible way for a few weeks.

“The change won’t alter anything in the way they play.

“They are going to stick to what they have been doing during the qualifiers and the preparation of matches. We expect a strong team, one that is united.

“It won’t influence us one way or the other. We’re focused. We’re not concerned about anything else.” Santos said: “It’s the opening game for Portugal and Spain.

“I’m not going to say ‘good luck’ to Fernando Hierro but I hope they have a great tournament.

“All the rest, it counts for nothing in the game.

“It’s Spain and Portugal. They have played the same way for 10 years. I don’t think there will be any surprises.”

If the Portuguese manage to upset the odds, they will have won their first opening game since the 2008 European Championships when they beat Turkey 2-0. Santos added: “History is history – the present is now.”