Spain World Cup push on track despite upheaval, says Azpilicueta

Cesar Azpilicueta is convinced Spain have what it takes to contend for the World Cup title despite a shaky start and the dismissal of coach Julen Lopetegui on the eve of the tournament.

The 2010 world champions qualified for the last 16 as winners of Group B ahead of Cristiano Ronaldo's Portugal, and face hosts Russia in Moscow on Sunday.

Spain are unbeaten in 23 matches, a run dating back to Euro 2016, but the Spanish federation's decision to sack Lopetegui after he accepted the Real Madrid job threatened to derail their campaign.

"It's clear that it's an unusual circumstance that doesn't happen often, but that's what happened and you have to take things as they are," Chelsea defender Azpilicueta said in an interview with AFP.

"You can't shy away, you have to accept the reality. We must do our work in the best way we can and go as far as possible." Fernando Hierro, the former Real captain who played 89 times for Spain, was appointed to replace Lopetegui despite limited previous coaching experience.

The 50-year-old Hierro spent a single season in charge of second division Spanish outfit Oviedo, but Azpilicueta is confident he can handle the international role.

"Fernando has shown great enthusiasm, he's very involved. He had to face up to this situation and he is giving everything he has to help us, to improve the team," he said.

"I have no doubt we're going to achieve our goal."
"The group is united, with a desire to grow, and thirsty for victory. Each coach has their own way of working but there haven't been any big changes."
- No room for error -
=====================
"We must work on this point and regain our solidity."
"Aside from their last match, they've won with a certain ease and it will be a difficult game."