La Roja News

Manchester City forward Ferran Torres hit a hat-trick as Spain humiliated Germany at home in a Nations League clash on Tuesday. This was the joint worst-ever defeat in Germany's history, having lost by a similar scoreline to Austria in 1931. Morata, Oyarzabal and Rodri were the other scorers as Spain reached the semifinals of the UEFA Nations League.

In his European record-breaking 177th appearance, Spain captain Sergio Ramos missed two penalties against Switzerland. The UEFA Nations League game eventually ended in a 1-1 draw. After the game, Spain coach Luis Enrique defended Sergio Ramos.

Spain's coach urged his players to forget what happened in the Portugal match and focus on doing well against Iran, stressing the importance of winning the upcoming game.

The Spanish soccer federation fired Julen Lopetegui on Wednesday after Lopetegui was appointed as Real Madrid's new head coach and hired Fernando Hierro, as the new head coach.

The record, held by Iker Casillas, stands at 167 caps but Ramos has that number in his sights and hinted he is ready to prolong his international career beyond this year’s World Cup.

Messi and 2014 finalists Argentina were placed alongside a Croatia side featuring Barcelona team-mate Ivan Rakitic and Real Madrid`s Luka Modric, with Nigeria and debutants Iceland rounding out a competitive Group D.

While Spain put eight unanswered goals past minnows Liechtenstein in their opening Group G qualifier in Leon last month, 10-man Italy returned from Israel with the points from a battling 3-1 win in Haifa.

After finishing second in Group D, Spain find themselves on the same side of the draw as world champions Germany and hosts France -- both of whom advanced to the last eight on Sunday.