2018 FIFA World Cup: Spain appoint Fernando Hierro after Julen Lopetegui's sacking

Moscow: Former Spanish Football Association sporting director Fernando Hierro has been appointed as Spain football team’s new head coach, it was confirmed on Wednesday.

Also read: 2018 FIFA World Cup: Julen Lopetegui sacked by Spain after Real Madrid manager deal

Spain dramatically sacked coach Julen Lopetegui on Wednesday -- just two days before the team's opening game against Portugal at the World Cup.

In a surprise announcement on Tuesday, Real Madrid appointed Lopetegui as Zinedine Zidane's successor to take over after the tournament in Russia, sparking outrage among the federation and Spanish fans at the timing of the announcement.

Lopetegui had signed a contract extension until 2020 just last month and never tasted defeat in his 20 games in charge as Spain boss.