World Cup 2018: Portugal train to face under crisis Spain

The European champions Portugal are all set to face Spain, who are facing some serious issues as their boss Julen Lopetegui was sacked just a day before FIFA World Cup's kick off.

Portugal continued their preparations for the World Cup in unremarkable fashion, painting a strikingly different picture to that of Spain, who on Friday will be their first opponents in the group stage.

Spain are currently busy in replacing Julen Lopetegui, who is set to join Real Madrid, with Fernando Hierro, the reigning European champions were going about their business without a hitch at their World Cup base in Ramensky, located just outside Moscow.

Cristiano Ronaldo and Bernardo Silva both looked in fine spirits as Fernando Santos took his players through a routine training session, serving to underline the storm their Group B rivals are currently having to endure.

Indeed, the Manchester City midfielder admits Portugal would be in dire straights if their manager Santos decided to walk away now.

Spain have dominated matches between the pair, winning 16 of their 35 meetings with only six wins for Portugal. Four of those have been at major tournaments with Spain winning the last two - at the 2010 World Cup and Euro 2012.

With Morocco and Iran making up the group, both teams could be forgiven for being happy with a draw when they clash on Friday but Santos has other ideas.

Portugal have lost only once in 24 competitive matches since Santos took charge in September 2014 although they he has been criticised for a dour and pragmatic approach to the game.