Head coach Fernando Hierro of Spain is seen during the 2018 FIFA World Cup round of 16 match between Spain and Russia in Moscow, Russia, July 1, 2018. (Xinhua/Yang Lei)
MOSCOW, July 1 (Xinhua) -- Spain coach Fernando Hierro denied his team has been affected by off-field turbulence following their World Cup elimination on Sunday.
Hosts Russia sent the 2010 champions packing with a 4-3 penalty shootout win after the scores were tied 1-1 at the end of extra time in their round of 16 duel.
Spain's World Cup plans were thrown into turmoil two days before their first match when coach Julen Lopetegui was sacked after it was revealed he had accepted a position to join Real Madrid after the tournament. Hierro, who had been Spain's director of football, was given the coaching job on an interim basis.
"We came here with ambition and we empathize with our people, those that came all the way to Russia," Hierro said. "I don't think you can talk about the team breaking down or collapsing. There's a fine line between winning and losing."
Hierro also paid tribute to midfielder Andres Iniesta, who retired from international football after the match at Luzhniki Stadium in Moscow.
"I give my whole hearted recognition to one of the greatest players of our history," he said. "He's an outstanding professional. The way he played on the pitch when he substituted on was like he was playing in his first cap and I want to thank him whole-heartedly."
