LAST WORD

The federation cannot be left out of a negotiation by one of its workers and be informed five minutes before the press release. If anybody wants to talk to one of our employees, they have to speak to us too, that is basic, as this is the team of all Spaniards. The national team is the most important we have, the World Cup is the biggest of all.”

Spain soccer federation president Luis Rubiales at a news conference to announce the firing of national team coach Julen Lopetegui on the eve of the World Cup. Lopetegui was announced as the new coach of Real Madrid on Tuesday and, according to Rubiales, he did not keep the federation in the loop. The 2010 champions are among the favorites to win this time.