Diego Costa

"Rather today than in Russia," said David de Gea after gifting Switzerland a goal in a World Cup warm-up this month. Well, now it has happened in Russia.

AS Editor Alfredo Relaño analyses the draw between Portugal and Spain in World Cup 2018 Group B, which saw Cristiano Ronaldo score a hat-trick.

AS editor Alfredo Relaño looks at the decision Spain coach Julen Lopetegui needs to take regarding who plays up front for Spain at the World Cup in Russia.

The traditional view used to be that, when it comes to the national team, there's no such thing as a friendly...

Plenty of good play, but short on that crucial finishing touch. That's how you could summarise Spain's display in their 1-1 draw against Switzerland...

For Julen Lopetegui's Spain, preparations for this month's World Cup finals begin in Vila-real tonight against Switzerland, a tougher test than it might appear.

Lopetegui revealed his squad for the World Cup in Russia, and AS editor Alfredo Relaño sees little to argue about in what he sees as a formidable squad.

The final is upon us, a day full of emotion. Griezmann, whether he stays or goes, these are his days, this is his game, this is his land.

The Atletco Madrid players hugged as the Arsenal team fell to the floor with all 22 men exhausted, the side in red and white elated with the outfit from North London shattered.

So Liverpool will face Real Madrid in Kiev but were made to sweat for their passage to the final in Rome.