JOB TALK IS SPAIN IN SIDE OF ROBERTO

ROBERTO MARTINEZ said he will not allow talk of the Spain job to derail his bid to beat Brazil with Belgium.

In a surprise development the former Everton boss has become a favourite to succeed Julen Lopetegui, who was axed after agreeing to take over at Real Madrid before the World Cup started.

But with Belgium facing the five-time world champions for a place in the semi-finals tonight, Martinez has his eyes fixed firmly on one job.

The Spaniard (above) said: “I understand the question, but I think now the only thing that matters is the quarterfinals of the World Cup.”

Spain are looking for a new full-time head coach after Fernando Hierro – who took over for the tournament – saw his side knocked out in the last 16 by hosts Russia.

Martinez added: “If you look for a game you want to play in the World Cup it is against Brazil. They deserve every single adjective you want to find in world football, in terms of excitement, quality and winning mentality.

“So, the only thing that matters is Brazil and trying to perform as well as we can.”

Martinez has the likes of Eden Hazard, Kevin De Bruyne and Romelu Lukaku at his disposal, but claimed Belgium are the underdogs.

He said: “The two sides are similar in terms of qualities. The difference is we haven’t won a World Cup. Simple as that. That is an advantage.”