Spain was standing between Theresa May and a Brexit deal as it threatened to derail an EU summit on Sunday if it does not get new assurances on having a say in the future of <a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/explainer-what-you-need-to-know-about-gibraltar-in-brexit-talks-178603">Gibraltar</a>.

As talks among Spanish, British and EU officials continued on Saturday, Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez said he was ready to thwart his British counterpart May's hopes of seeing EU leaders sign off on promises of close ties with London after Britain leaves the bloc in March if he did not get his way.

EU diplomats and officials said there was still no clear breakthrough on Saturday morning, hours before some of the other leaders must set off for Brussels ahead of Sunday's breakfast summit -- few will be happy if plans change.

Brussels diplomats and representatives of other governments across Europe said they did not believe Madrid would upset the careful choreography of Sunday's summitry, when May and her 27 EU peers will fly in for a couple of hours in the morning. But they also heard strong words from Spanish ministers that left them unwilling to call Sanchez's bluff without further talks.

On a visit to Cuba, Sanchez said he had yet to receive assurances that any future decisions on Gibraltar would be decided in direct talks between London and Madrid.

"The guarantees are still not enough and Spain maintains its veto to Brexit. If there is a deal, then it will be lifted," he said when it was already late on Friday in Europe. "If there is no deal ... the European Council will most likely not take place."

Spain can expect its European allies to swing more clearly behind its 300-year-old claims to sovereignty over "The Rock", a British naval base on its southern coast that is home to some 30,000 people whose economy faces major questions after Brexit.

But demands that extensive treaty documentation recently agreed between Brussels and London be tweaked to give Spain a bigger say over its implementation in regard to Gibraltar face resistance from Britain and EU allies who are wary that the whole edifice of the long-negotiated deal might unravel.

"Proud People"

Diplomats said there was no doubting the passion behind the Spanish arguments when advisers to the 27 EU leaders met in Brussels on Friday to prepare the summit: "The Spanish are very proud people and this is absolutely important for them," one participant in the talks told Reuters.

"We have to have a solution. I am quite sure we will have one."

Some in Brussels stress that Sanchez is fighting a regional election in Andalusia, the province that abuts Gibraltar, next weekend and may want to play up the issue for home consumption.

For him to force the cancellation of the summit, or drag it out beyond the morning, would incur the wrath of his peers.

May is due to meet EU chief executive Jean-Claude Juncker on Saturday at 6 pm (1700 GMT), and diplomats say that should be the moment they confirm that the Gibraltar issue is settled. May will then meet summit chair Donald Tusk.

In Germany, a government spokesman was confident a solution would be found in time for Sunday's summit.

Berlin had earlier said there could be no more technical negotiations at the summit, and that Chancellor Angela Merkel could skip it if all the texts are not ready in advance.

The biggest obstacle to the Brexit accord overall is the vehement opposition in the British parliament. Without its approval, Britain could leave the bloc on March 29 without an agreement to mitigate economic and legal disruption.

Spain was standing between Theresa May and a Brexit deal as it threatened to derail an EU summit on Sunday if it does not get new assurances on having a say in the future of Gibraltar.

Spain was standing between Theresa May and a Brexit deal as it threatened to derail an EU summit on Sunday if it does not get new assurances on having a say in the future of Gibraltar. As talks among Spanish, British and EU officials continued on Saturday, Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez said he was ready to thwart his British counterpart May's hopes of seeing EU leaders sign off on promises of close ties with London after Britain leaves the bloc in March if he did not get his way. EU diplomats and officials said there was still no clear breakthrough on Saturday morning, hours before some of the other leaders must set off for Brussels ahead of Sunday's breakfast summit -- few will be happy if plans change. Brussels diplomats and representatives of other governments across Europe said they did not believe Madrid would upset the careful choreography of Sunday's summitry, when May and her 27 EU peers will fly in for a couple of hours in the morning. But they also heard strong words from Spanish ministers that left them unwilling to call Sanchez's bluff without further talks. On a visit to Cuba, Sanchez said he had yet to receive assurances that any future decisions on Gibraltar would be decided in direct talks between London and Madrid. "The guarantees are still not enough and Spain maintains its veto to Brexit. If there is a deal, then it will be lifted," he said when it was already late on Friday in Europe. "If there is no deal ... the European Council will most likely not take place." Spain can expect its European allies to swing more clearly behind its 300-year-old claims to sovereignty over "The Rock", a British naval base on its southern coast that is home to some 30,000 people whose economy faces major questions after Brexit. But demands that extensive treaty documentation recently agreed between Brussels and London be tweaked to give Spain a bigger say over its implementation in regard to Gibraltar face resistance from Britain and EU allies who are wary that the whole edifice of the long-negotiated deal might unravel. "Proud People" Diplomats said there was no doubting the passion behind the Spanish arguments when advisers to the 27 EU leaders met in Brussels on Friday to prepare the summit: "The Spanish are very proud people and this is absolutely important for them," one participant in the talks told Reuters. "We have to have a solution. I am quite sure we will have one." Some in Brussels stress that Sanchez is fighting a regional election in Andalusia, the province that abuts Gibraltar, next weekend and may want to play up the issue for home consumption. For him to force the cancellation of the summit, or drag it out beyond the morning, would incur the wrath of his peers. May is due to meet EU chief executive Jean-Claude Juncker on Saturday at 6 pm (1700 GMT), and diplomats say that should be the moment they confirm that the Gibraltar issue is settled. May will then meet summit chair Donald Tusk. In Germany, a government spokesman was confident a solution would be found in time for Sunday's summit. Berlin had earlier said there could be no more technical negotiations at the summit, and that Chancellor Angela Merkel could skip it if all the texts are not ready in advance. The biggest obstacle to the Brexit accord overall is the vehement opposition in the British parliament. Without its approval, Britain could leave the bloc on March 29 without an agreement to mitigate economic and legal disruption.

Spain bars May's way to Brussels Brexit deal

At least 631 African migrants have died trying to reach Spain so far this year, nearly three times more than in all of 2017, and the situation has become "alarming", the UN migration agency said on Friday.

More than 120 migrants, from North Africa and Sub-Saharan Africa, have arrived in Spain each day during November, following a record month in October with over 350 per day, the International Organization for Migration (IOM) said.

"This is usually a time of slowing down on these routes, that is not happening in Spain," IOM spokesman Joel Millman told a news briefing.&nbsp;

Migrants are using smaller and less seaworthy boats, he said.

About two dozen migrants drowned off the coast of Cadiz in November, he said. The sole survivor of another shipwreck, a teenage boy from Guinea now in hospital with severe hypothermia, told rescuers that he was travelling with nine others including his brother in an inflatable row boat from Tangiers, Morocco.

The arrival of hundreds of thousands of migrants into Europe has fuelled the rise of far-right parties across the continent in recent years, although numbers have fallen over the past three years. Many thousands of people, mostly from Africa and the Middle East, have drowned at sea.

So far this year 104,506 migrants have arrived by sea in Europe and 2,075 have perished, according to the IOM`s latest figures. Both figures are about two-thirds of last year`s totals and around a quarter of the totals from 2016.

But while traffic on the main sea route from Libya to Italy has fallen sharply over the past year, in part due to agreements with Libyan armed groups to fight smuggling, travel has increased across the western Mediterranean to Spain.&nbsp;

The route from Turkey to Greece, used by more than a million asylum seekers in 2015, was largely shut by an EU agreement with Turkey the following year.&nbsp;

In addition to migrants arriving by sea in mainland Spain, Millman said 36 migrants had died trying to reach the Canary Islands this year, compared to just one last year, Millman said.&nbsp;

"So that is becoming also a dangerous channel for migrants seeking to access Europe through the Canary Islands," he said of the islands, which are a part of Spain located in the Atlantic Ocean off the Moroccan coast.

At least 631 African migrants have died trying to reach Spain so far this year, nearly three times more than in all of 2017, and the situation has become "alarming", the UN migration agency said on Friday.

At least 631 African migrants have died trying to reach Spain so far this year, nearly three times more than in all of 2017, and the situation has become "alarming", the UN migration agency said on Friday. More than 120 migrants, from North Africa and Sub-Saharan Africa, have arrived in Spain each day during November, following a record month in October with over 350 per day, the International Organization for Migration (IOM) said. "This is usually a time of slowing down on these routes, that is not happening in Spain," IOM spokesman Joel Millman told a news briefing. Migrants are using smaller and less seaworthy boats, he said. About two dozen migrants drowned off the coast of Cadiz in November, he said. The sole survivor of another shipwreck, a teenage boy from Guinea now in hospital with severe hypothermia, told rescuers that he was travelling with nine others including his brother in an inflatable row boat from Tangiers, Morocco. The arrival of hundreds of thousands of migrants into Europe has fuelled the rise of far-right parties across the continent in recent years, although numbers have fallen over the past three years. Many thousands of people, mostly from Africa and the Middle East, have drowned at sea. So far this year 104,506 migrants have arrived by sea in Europe and 2,075 have perished, according to the IOM`s latest figures. Both figures are about two-thirds of last year`s totals and around a quarter of the totals from 2016. But while traffic on the main sea route from Libya to Italy has fallen sharply over the past year, in part due to agreements with Libyan armed groups to fight smuggling, travel has increased across the western Mediterranean to Spain. The route from Turkey to Greece, used by more than a million asylum seekers in 2015, was largely shut by an EU agreement with Turkey the following year. In addition to migrants arriving by sea in mainland Spain, Millman said 36 migrants had died trying to reach the Canary Islands this year, compared to just one last year, Millman said. "So that is becoming also a dangerous channel for migrants seeking to access Europe through the Canary Islands," he said of the islands, which are a part of Spain located in the Atlantic Ocean off the Moroccan coast.

Migrants dying at sea off Spain triple toll of last year: UN

Spain is threatening to oppose a deal on Britain`s withdrawal from the European Union unless it gets assurances over the disputed peninsula of Gibraltar. 
Unlike the much-discussed issue of avoiding a hard border on the island of Ireland, not much has been said publicly about Gibraltar during tense months of Brexit talks.

Why has the very pro-European country come up with an 11th hour objection, and what impact could it have ahead of Sunday`s summit, where EU leaders meet to rubber-stamp the Brexit deal?

WHAT IS GIBRALTAR?

The small peninsula, a British territory since 1713 and known to its 30,000 residents as "the Rock", is a major point of contention in Anglo-Spanish relations. Spain has long claimed sovereignty.

Gibraltar is due to leave the EU along with the United Kingdom at the end of March, even though 96 percent of its population voted in the 2016 referendum to remain in the EU.

WHY IS THIS A PROBLEM NOW FOR MADRID?&nbsp;

Last week, Madrid had said it was happy with a protocol on the peninsula, but it now says there is a problem with the main body of the text.

Spain says it was not aware until a few days ago of Article 184 of the draft Brexit deal, which relates to negotiations on the future relationship between the EU and Britain, and says it is ambiguous on Gibraltar.&nbsp;

WHAT DOES SPAIN WANT?

Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez and Foreign Minister Josep Borrell say the withdrawal agreement and a political declaration that goes with it must make clear that negotiations on the future relationship between Britain and the EU do not apply to Gibraltar. Madrid wants guarantees that alone can decide on the future of Gibraltar in direct talks with Britain.

WHY IS THAT A PROBLEM?

Crafting the tentative Brexit deal has taken a year and a half of difficult talks. EU states are determined not to open Pandora`s Box and the prospect of Britain and others making more requests to modify the text.&nbsp;

WHAT DO OTHERS SAY?

Diplomats in Brussels said they thought Sanchez was trying to score points with voters before a high-stakes regional election in Andalusia on December 2. The diplomats said the issue could be solved by the leaders and urged Madrid not to put the whole Brexit deal at risk.

WHAT CAN HAPPEN NOW?

According to EU rules, the withdrawal treaty is adopted by qualified majority and not unanimity, so a single state cannot block it. The leaders of the 28 members states minus Britain would, however, seek unity on this most politically sensitive matter.

British Prime Minister Theresa May travels to Brussels on Wednesday to try to overcome this and other outstanding issues in talks with European Commission head Jean-Claude Juncker.&nbsp;

More diplomatic back and forth will follow, with a meeting of the 27 national EU envoys in Brussels on Thursday and a meeting of EU leaders` main negotiators - or sherpas - on Friday. Then comes Sunday`s summit.

Any solution could refer to the fact that in April 2017, the EU 27 gave the European Commission guidelines for Brexit talks that said that no deal between Britain and the EU on their post-Brexit relationship may apply to Gibraltar without a specific agreement between Madrid and London.

Spain is threatening to oppose a deal on Britain`s withdrawal from the European Union unless it gets assurances over the disputed peninsula of Gibraltar. Unlike the much-discussed issue of avoiding a hard border on the island of Ireland, not much has been said publicly about Gibraltar during tense months of Brexit talks.

Spain is threatening to oppose a deal on Britain`s withdrawal from the European Union unless it gets assurances over the disputed peninsula of Gibraltar. Unlike the much-discussed issue of avoiding a hard border on the island of Ireland, not much has been said publicly about Gibraltar during tense months of Brexit talks. Why has the very pro-European country come up with an 11th hour objection, and what impact could it have ahead of Sunday`s summit, where EU leaders meet to rubber-stamp the Brexit deal? WHAT IS GIBRALTAR? The small peninsula, a British territory since 1713 and known to its 30,000 residents as "the Rock", is a major point of contention in Anglo-Spanish relations. Spain has long claimed sovereignty. Gibraltar is due to leave the EU along with the United Kingdom at the end of March, even though 96 percent of its population voted in the 2016 referendum to remain in the EU. WHY IS THIS A PROBLEM NOW FOR MADRID? Last week, Madrid had said it was happy with a protocol on the peninsula, but it now says there is a problem with the main body of the text. Spain says it was not aware until a few days ago of Article 184 of the draft Brexit deal, which relates to negotiations on the future relationship between the EU and Britain, and says it is ambiguous on Gibraltar. WHAT DOES SPAIN WANT? Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez and Foreign Minister Josep Borrell say the withdrawal agreement and a political declaration that goes with it must make clear that negotiations on the future relationship between Britain and the EU do not apply to Gibraltar. Madrid wants guarantees that alone can decide on the future of Gibraltar in direct talks with Britain. WHY IS THAT A PROBLEM? Crafting the tentative Brexit deal has taken a year and a half of difficult talks. EU states are determined not to open Pandora`s Box and the prospect of Britain and others making more requests to modify the text. WHAT DO OTHERS SAY? Diplomats in Brussels said they thought Sanchez was trying to score points with voters before a high-stakes regional election in Andalusia on December 2. The diplomats said the issue could be solved by the leaders and urged Madrid not to put the whole Brexit deal at risk. WHAT CAN HAPPEN NOW? According to EU rules, the withdrawal treaty is adopted by qualified majority and not unanimity, so a single state cannot block it. The leaders of the 28 members states minus Britain would, however, seek unity on this most politically sensitive matter. British Prime Minister Theresa May travels to Brussels on Wednesday to try to overcome this and other outstanding issues in talks with European Commission head Jean-Claude Juncker. More diplomatic back and forth will follow, with a meeting of the 27 national EU envoys in Brussels on Thursday and a meeting of EU leaders` main negotiators - or sherpas - on Friday. Then comes Sunday`s summit. Any solution could refer to the fact that in April 2017, the EU 27 gave the European Commission guidelines for Brexit talks that said that no deal between Britain and the EU on their post-Brexit relationship may apply to Gibraltar without a specific agreement between Madrid and London.

Explainer: What you need to know about Gibraltar in Brexit talks

The head coach of Spain's national soccer team said here Saturday that goalkeeper David De Gea has been unfairly criticised for his performance in a 3-2 loss against Croatia. 
 
"De Gea has been singled out, and such targeted and personalised criticism of a single player is very unfair," Luis Enrique said. 
 
He added that soccer is a team game and that goals can only be scored against a net minder after the opposing team has gotten the ball into scoring position 
 
"So the other players don't defend too?" he asked rhetorically. 
 
The former FC Barcelona head coach said soccer players and coaches have to accept criticism from fans and the media as part of the game. 
 
But he added that he would never cast judgment on his players in public. 
 
Referring to the health of key defender Sergio Ramos, Luis Enrique said the Real Madrid star had reported for international duty with pain in the adductor muscle of his right leg. 
 
"Even so, he ran the risk of playing (a 2018-2019 UEFA Nations League contest on Thursday against Croatia) in Zagreb and did well, and luckily didn't injure himself (further). But it made no sense to take the same risk in a friendly like tomorrow's." 
 
He said that the team was in good spirits despite the 3-2 loss to Croatia, a result that came two months after Spain thrashed the 2018 World Cup runner-up 6-0 in a Nations League match in Elche, Spain. 
 
Luis Enrique added that he expected an interesting match on Sunday against Bosnia and Herzegovina at Estadio Gran Canaria in Las Palmas, a city in Spain's Canary Islands. 
 
After the Bosnia match, the Spanish national team will not reassemble again until March, the head coach said.

The head coach of Spain's national soccer team said here Saturday that goalkeeper David De Gea has been unfairly criticised for his performance in a 3-2 loss against Croatia.

The head coach of Spain's national soccer team said here Saturday that goalkeeper David De Gea has been unfairly criticised for his performance in a 3-2 loss against Croatia. "De Gea has been singled out, and such targeted and personalised criticism of a single player is very unfair," Luis Enrique said. He added that soccer is a team game and that goals can only be scored against a net minder after the opposing team has gotten the ball into scoring position "So the other players don't defend too?" he asked rhetorically. The former FC Barcelona head coach said soccer players and coaches have to accept criticism from fans and the media as part of the game. But he added that he would never cast judgment on his players in public. Referring to the health of key defender Sergio Ramos, Luis Enrique said the Real Madrid star had reported for international duty with pain in the adductor muscle of his right leg. "Even so, he ran the risk of playing (a 2018-2019 UEFA Nations League contest on Thursday against Croatia) in Zagreb and did well, and luckily didn't injure himself (further). But it made no sense to take the same risk in a friendly like tomorrow's." He said that the team was in good spirits despite the 3-2 loss to Croatia, a result that came two months after Spain thrashed the 2018 World Cup runner-up 6-0 in a Nations League match in Elche, Spain. Luis Enrique added that he expected an interesting match on Sunday against Bosnia and Herzegovina at Estadio Gran Canaria in Las Palmas, a city in Spain's Canary Islands. After the Bosnia match, the Spanish national team will not reassemble again until March, the head coach said.

De Gea has been unfairly criticised, Spain head coach says

Men's Hockey World Cup 2018: All teams and their squad list

Thirteen sub-Saharan African migrants died and another 80 were rescued at sea after they tried to reach Spain in two boats from the North African coast, Spanish authorities said on Monday.

Increasing numbers of migrants are trying to enter Spain by sea or by crossing into the Spanish enclaves of Ceuta and Melilla in Morocco, which are the only European territories in Africa.

"The coast guard recovered two vessels heading toward the peninsula, with 93 people, 13 of whom have unfortunately died," the Spanish government delegation in Melilla said in a statement.

It said nine of the dead -- all men -- were recovered at sea and Red Cross efforts to revive four others also failed.

The two vessels were recovered 20 miles (32 km) off the coast of Melilla, it said, without giving details on the state of the vessels.

According to the International Organization for Migration (IOM), 47,000 migrants have arrived by sea in Spain since the start of the year and another 564 have died or disappeared during the journey, often made aboard overcrowded and unseaworthy vessels.

Thirteen sub-Saharan African migrants died and another 80 were rescued at sea after they tried to reach Spain in two boats from the North African coast, Spanish authorities said on Monday.

Thirteen sub-Saharan African migrants died and another 80 were rescued at sea after they tried to reach Spain in two boats from the North African coast, Spanish authorities said on Monday. Increasing numbers of migrants are trying to enter Spain by sea or by crossing into the Spanish enclaves of Ceuta and Melilla in Morocco, which are the only European territories in Africa. "The coast guard recovered two vessels heading toward the peninsula, with 93 people, 13 of whom have unfortunately died," the Spanish government delegation in Melilla said in a statement. It said nine of the dead -- all men -- were recovered at sea and Red Cross efforts to revive four others also failed. The two vessels were recovered 20 miles (32 km) off the coast of Melilla, it said, without giving details on the state of the vessels. According to the International Organization for Migration (IOM), 47,000 migrants have arrived by sea in Spain since the start of the year and another 564 have died or disappeared during the journey, often made aboard overcrowded and unseaworthy vessels.

Spain says 13 migrants killed, 80 rescued at sea

Cesc Fabregas received a Guinness World Record after becoming the fastest player to reach 100 English Premier League assists in 293 games.

That is 74 matches sooner than former Manchester United player Ryan Giggs who is second on the list with 367 games.

Fabregas' record-breaking assist came on 31st December 2016 when he set up Brazilian midfielder Willian's second goal in Chelsea's 4-2 win over Stoke City.

He credited&nbsp;Arsenal icons Thierry Henry and Dennis Bergkamp in the process.

He remembered his most famous assist; threading the pass for Andres Iniesta to score the winning goal for Spain in the 2010 World Cup final.

"It was not the most beautiful, not the most amazing assist. But a simple pass broke the line… and it got us the World Cup," he recalls.

The 31-year-old made his Premier League debut at Arsenal in 2004 at the age of 16 years.&nbsp;

His ability to play in tight spaces and still create chances led to a move to his boyhood club, Barcelona in 2011.

Three years later he returned to London with Chelsea and has gone on to win the Premier League twice since joining.

He credited the sharp training he received in the Barcelona youth team where he played with world-class experienced professionals including Andres Iniesta, Lionel Messi and Gerard Pique.

Cesc Fabregas received a Guinness World Record after becoming the fastest player to reach 100 English Premier League assists in 293 games. That is 74 matches sooner than former Manchester United player Ryan Giggs who is second on the list with 367 games.

Cesc Fabregas received a Guinness World Record after becoming the fastest player to reach 100 English Premier League assists in 293 games. That is 74 matches sooner than former Manchester United player Ryan Giggs who is second on the list with 367 games. Fabregas' record-breaking assist came on 31st December 2016 when he set up Brazilian midfielder Willian's second goal in Chelsea's 4-2 win over Stoke City. He credited Arsenal icons Thierry Henry and Dennis Bergkamp in the process. He remembered his most famous assist; threading the pass for Andres Iniesta to score the winning goal for Spain in the 2010 World Cup final. "It was not the most beautiful, not the most amazing assist. But a simple pass broke the line… and it got us the World Cup," he recalls. The 31-year-old made his Premier League debut at Arsenal in 2004 at the age of 16 years. His ability to play in tight spaces and still create chances led to a move to his boyhood club, Barcelona in 2011. Three years later he returned to London with Chelsea and has gone on to win the Premier League twice since joining. He credited the sharp training he received in the Barcelona youth team where he played with world-class experienced professionals including Andres Iniesta, Lionel Messi and Gerard Pique.

Cesc Fabregas credits Arsenal icons Henry, Bergkamp after claiming Guiness World Record

Spain coach Luis Enrique resisted the temptation to criticise his players after their "awful" first-half display as they went down 3-2 to England in the Nations League on Monday for their first home loss in a competitive game for 15 years.

Two goals from Raheem Sterling and a Marcus Rashford strike gave England a stunning 3-0 halftime lead -- the first time Spain had ever conceded three goals in a competitive home game -- in the League A Group 4 match in Seville.

"Our performance in the first half was awful, we have to recognise that, we could not press well and the first goal killed us," Luis Enrique told reporters after his first defeat as Spain coach, having won all three of his previous games.

Spain's limp performance saw them booed off at the break in Real Betis' 60,000-capacity Benito Villamarin stadium.

They were far the better side in the second half as Paco Alcacer scored before the hour and Sergio Ramos headed home in the last action of the match but could not prevent a loss that ended Spain's run of 38 competitive home games without defeat.

"I was marvellous in the halftime break because the normal thing would have been to kill the players but I tried to keep their spirits up and told them many top teams have suffered recently," Luis Enrique added.

"I understand my team did not need a kick up the backside or a fierce critique or to make sweeping changes, I needed to strengthen them, make a couple of tactical tweaks and put them on a positive dynamic and we saw that in the second half.

"We pushed them (England) all the way back in the second half and it's a shame we didn't score the second goal earlier, because our fans would have scored the third by themselves."

A win against England would have booked Spain's place in the Nations League semi-finals next June and although they remain in charge of their group on six points, they need to win their final match away to Croatia to ensure they top the group.

Luis Enrique said he was still upbeat about his side's prospects despite the surprise defeat by England.

"A group with two World Cup semi-finalists is not easy and we still depend on ourselves, now we have to go to Croatia and win," he added.

"Now I have a long time to go and think. I like a lot of players in this squad a lot. Now it's time to prepare the artillery."

Spain coach Luis Enrique resisted the temptation to criticise his players after their "awful" first-half display as they went down 3-2 to England in the Nations League on Monday for their first home loss in a competitive game for 15 years.

Spain coach Luis Enrique resisted the temptation to criticise his players after their "awful" first-half display as they went down 3-2 to England in the Nations League on Monday for their first home loss in a competitive game for 15 years. Two goals from Raheem Sterling and a Marcus Rashford strike gave England a stunning 3-0 halftime lead -- the first time Spain had ever conceded three goals in a competitive home game -- in the League A Group 4 match in Seville. "Our performance in the first half was awful, we have to recognise that, we could not press well and the first goal killed us," Luis Enrique told reporters after his first defeat as Spain coach, having won all three of his previous games. Spain's limp performance saw them booed off at the break in Real Betis' 60,000-capacity Benito Villamarin stadium. They were far the better side in the second half as Paco Alcacer scored before the hour and Sergio Ramos headed home in the last action of the match but could not prevent a loss that ended Spain's run of 38 competitive home games without defeat. "I was marvellous in the halftime break because the normal thing would have been to kill the players but I tried to keep their spirits up and told them many top teams have suffered recently," Luis Enrique added. "I understand my team did not need a kick up the backside or a fierce critique or to make sweeping changes, I needed to strengthen them, make a couple of tactical tweaks and put them on a positive dynamic and we saw that in the second half. "We pushed them (England) all the way back in the second half and it's a shame we didn't score the second goal earlier, because our fans would have scored the third by themselves." A win against England would have booked Spain's place in the Nations League semi-finals next June and although they remain in charge of their group on six points, they need to win their final match away to Croatia to ensure they top the group. Luis Enrique said he was still upbeat about his side's prospects despite the surprise defeat by England. "A group with two World Cup semi-finalists is not easy and we still depend on ourselves, now we have to go to Croatia and win," he added. "Now I have a long time to go and think. I like a lot of players in this squad a lot. Now it's time to prepare the artillery."

Luis Enrique slams Spain's first-half display against England

England stunned Spain to claim their first UEFA Nations League victory in Seville, last night.

A superb first-half showing from England produced two goals from Raheem Sterling to deliver one of their finest victory in the modern era.&nbsp;

The Three Lions became the first team to put three goals past Spain in a competitive home international and won in the country for the first time since 1987.

Marcus Rashford was the other scorer in a breathless opening 45 minutes, which witnessed Spain conceding three on home soil for the first time in their history.

Praising his side for putting up a spectacular show, Gareth Southgate said England showed quality and were brave.

"The quality of the performance - we played with courage and used the ball with courage. If you come and defend for 90 minutes they will unlock you.

"We really showed some quality and a good mentality to play out of their pressing. Spain the side are very aggressive in the way they press. All our players, right through the team, were brave enough to play the way we wanted to play," he continued to add.&nbsp;

"It's fine to have an idea of how you want to play but to do it is a huge credit to them," he concluded.&nbsp;

England lost 2-1 at home to Spain in their Nations League opener and were held to a goalless draw in Croatia last time.

England stunned Spain to claim their first UEFA Nations League victory in Seville, last night. A superb first-half showing from England produced two goals from Raheem Sterling to deliver one of their finest victory in the modern era.

England stunned Spain to claim their first UEFA Nations League victory in Seville, last night. A superb first-half showing from England produced two goals from Raheem Sterling to deliver one of their finest victory in the modern era. The Three Lions became the first team to put three goals past Spain in a competitive home international and won in the country for the first time since 1987. Marcus Rashford was the other scorer in a breathless opening 45 minutes, which witnessed Spain conceding three on home soil for the first time in their history. Praising his side for putting up a spectacular show, Gareth Southgate said England showed quality and were brave. "The quality of the performance - we played with courage and used the ball with courage. If you come and defend for 90 minutes they will unlock you. "We really showed some quality and a good mentality to play out of their pressing. Spain the side are very aggressive in the way they press. All our players, right through the team, were brave enough to play the way we wanted to play," he continued to add. "It's fine to have an idea of how you want to play but to do it is a huge credit to them," he concluded. England lost 2-1 at home to Spain in their Nations League opener and were held to a goalless draw in Croatia last time.

UEFA Nations League: Southgate's 'Three Lions' led by Raheem, Rashford stun Spain

Storms packing nearly 180 kilometre-per-hour winds hit Portugal early Sunday leaving hundreds of thousands of people without power before carrying heavy rain on into Spain, authorities said.

Twenty-seven people suffered minor injuries, civil defence commander Luis Belo Costa told reporters.

The region around capital Lisbon and the centre of the country at Coimbra and Leiria were worst hit with trees uprooted, cars and houses damaged and local flooding reported.

Aveiro, Viseu and Porto in the north also suffered damage with rescue services reporting a total of 1,900 incidents.&nbsp;

The civil defence services said 324,000 people were left without electricity while more than 60 people had to leave their damaged homes and flee to safety.

Power was being restored across the north and centre of the country during the morning.

Leslie was dubbed a "zombie" hurricane as it first formed on September 23, only to meander through the Atlantic Ocean for weeks.

There were fears it could be the worst storm to hit the region in more than 150 years, but it weakened to a post-tropical storm before reaching the Portuguese coastline in the early hours of Sunday.

"The greatest danger has passed," Costa said. "The north and centre were the worst affected."

At Mealhada, in Aveiro district, the roof blew off an indoor sports stadium putting an end to the European final of the women's roller hockey competition.

Portuguese authorities had urged those living by the coast to batten down and stay indoors amid warnings of high winds which reached 176 kilometres per hour (110 miles per hour).

"I have never seen anything like it," one witness told SIC television in Figueira da Foz, 200 km (120 miles) north of Lisbon.

"The town seemed to be in a state of war with cars smashed by fallen trees," he said. "People were very worried."

Maritime authorities advised fishermen at sea to return to the nearest port and Portugal's TAP airline cancelled seven flights to and from Lisbon.

Only five hurricanes have ever arrived in this region of the Atlantic Ocean, and it had been feared Leslie could turn out to be the most powerful storm to hit Portugal since 1842.

One in 176 years

Over the past 176 years, only Hurricane Vince has made landfall on the Iberian peninsula, hitting southern Spain in 2005, according to weather records.

In October 2017, strong winds from Hurricane Ophelia, which travelled north off the coast of Portugal and western Spain, fed forest fires that killed around 40 people during a heatwave.

Ophelia then made landfall in Ireland as a violent storm, killing three people.

Spain's civil protection agency said the storms could still be "very strong locally" and that heavy rain was forecast for the north and east.

On Tuesday, intense rain sparked flash floods in the Spanish holiday island of Majorca, killing 12 people.&nbsp;

Storms packing nearly 180 kilometre-per-hour winds hit Portugal early Sunday leaving hundreds of thousands of people without power before carrying heavy rain on into Spain, authorities said.

Storms packing nearly 180 kilometre-per-hour winds hit Portugal early Sunday leaving hundreds of thousands of people without power before carrying heavy rain on into Spain, authorities said. Twenty-seven people suffered minor injuries, civil defence commander Luis Belo Costa told reporters. The region around capital Lisbon and the centre of the country at Coimbra and Leiria were worst hit with trees uprooted, cars and houses damaged and local flooding reported. Aveiro, Viseu and Porto in the north also suffered damage with rescue services reporting a total of 1,900 incidents. The civil defence services said 324,000 people were left without electricity while more than 60 people had to leave their damaged homes and flee to safety. Power was being restored across the north and centre of the country during the morning. Leslie was dubbed a "zombie" hurricane as it first formed on September 23, only to meander through the Atlantic Ocean for weeks. There were fears it could be the worst storm to hit the region in more than 150 years, but it weakened to a post-tropical storm before reaching the Portuguese coastline in the early hours of Sunday. "The greatest danger has passed," Costa said. "The north and centre were the worst affected." At Mealhada, in Aveiro district, the roof blew off an indoor sports stadium putting an end to the European final of the women's roller hockey competition. Portuguese authorities had urged those living by the coast to batten down and stay indoors amid warnings of high winds which reached 176 kilometres per hour (110 miles per hour). "I have never seen anything like it," one witness told SIC television in Figueira da Foz, 200 km (120 miles) north of Lisbon. "The town seemed to be in a state of war with cars smashed by fallen trees," he said. "People were very worried." Maritime authorities advised fishermen at sea to return to the nearest port and Portugal's TAP airline cancelled seven flights to and from Lisbon. Only five hurricanes have ever arrived in this region of the Atlantic Ocean, and it had been feared Leslie could turn out to be the most powerful storm to hit Portugal since 1842. One in 176 years Over the past 176 years, only Hurricane Vince has made landfall on the Iberian peninsula, hitting southern Spain in 2005, according to weather records. In October 2017, strong winds from Hurricane Ophelia, which travelled north off the coast of Portugal and western Spain, fed forest fires that killed around 40 people during a heatwave. Ophelia then made landfall in Ireland as a violent storm, killing three people. Spain's civil protection agency said the storms could still be "very strong locally" and that heavy rain was forecast for the north and east. On Tuesday, intense rain sparked flash floods in the Spanish holiday island of Majorca, killing 12 people.

'Zombie' storm Leslie smashes into Portugal, Spain

At least 10 people including two Britons were killed as heavy rain and flash floods hit the Spanish island of Mallorca, authorities said on Wednesday.

Torrents of brown water swept cars along narrow streets in the eastern town of Sant Llorenc late on Tuesday. Rivers burst their banks, and swamped homes - forcing some people to take shelter in a sports centre in the nearby town of Manacor.

A child is still missing, emergency services on the island - which is popular with foreign tourists - reported.

Two of the victims were British, a senior official from the San Llorenc mayor`s office, Antonia Bauza, told radio station Cadena Ser.

"It's been a huge storm... we realised that we could not control the water," she said. "The situation is a disaster and we`re trying to locate survivors and help people but everything is flooded and people cannot leave their homes."

Residents swept water and mud out of houses as the floods subsided on Wednesday, leaving roadsides strewn with wrecked vehicles and beaches covered in debris.

Two men were found dead around midday on Wednesday, one in the northeastern town of Arta and another at S`illot further south on the coast. A tenth victim was found later, emergency services said on Twitter.&nbsp;

The regional government called an emergency meeting, and authorities said 630 rescue workers and military units had been sent to the area to help.

Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez visited the rescue coordination centre, spoke to emergency workers, and offered condolences for the victims.&nbsp;

"The most important thing right now is to find the missing people and respond to the concerns of their families and to everyone who lives near the affected areas," he told reporters. "We will be there to support them at this difficult time."

Lawmakers held a minute`s silence before the weekly prime minister`s question time in parliament on Wednesday morning.

At least 10 people including two Britons were killed as heavy rain and flash floods hit the Spanish island of Mallorca, authorities said on Wednesday. Torrents of brown water swept cars along narrow streets in the eastern town of Sant Llorenc late on Tuesday.

At least 10 people including two Britons were killed as heavy rain and flash floods hit the Spanish island of Mallorca, authorities said on Wednesday. Torrents of brown water swept cars along narrow streets in the eastern town of Sant Llorenc late on Tuesday. Rivers burst their banks, and swamped homes - forcing some people to take shelter in a sports centre in the nearby town of Manacor. A child is still missing, emergency services on the island - which is popular with foreign tourists - reported. Two of the victims were British, a senior official from the San Llorenc mayor`s office, Antonia Bauza, told radio station Cadena Ser. "It's been a huge storm... we realised that we could not control the water," she said. "The situation is a disaster and we`re trying to locate survivors and help people but everything is flooded and people cannot leave their homes." Residents swept water and mud out of houses as the floods subsided on Wednesday, leaving roadsides strewn with wrecked vehicles and beaches covered in debris. Two men were found dead around midday on Wednesday, one in the northeastern town of Arta and another at S`illot further south on the coast. A tenth victim was found later, emergency services said on Twitter. The regional government called an emergency meeting, and authorities said 630 rescue workers and military units had been sent to the area to help. Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez visited the rescue coordination centre, spoke to emergency workers, and offered condolences for the victims. "The most important thing right now is to find the missing people and respond to the concerns of their families and to everyone who lives near the affected areas," he told reporters. "We will be there to support them at this difficult time." Lawmakers held a minute`s silence before the weekly prime minister`s question time in parliament on Wednesday morning.

Floods kill at least ten on Spanish island of Mallorca

At least eight people have died, including two British nationals, and several others are missing in flash floods on the Spanish holiday island of Majorca, authorities and emergency services said Wednesday.

Footage broadcast on Spanish television showed cars being swept away by raging waters and houses flooded after the Mediterranean island was pounded with heavy rain in just a few hours.

One witness told a local newspaper he had to swim out of his car through a window to safety.

"I swam 500 metres (1,650 feet) through the torrent until I got to a house," Manuel Torrescusa, told the Diario de Mallorca.

"I hardly had any clothes on me as they all got caught on a metal fence when I was swimming."

On Twitter, emergency services in the Balearic Islands said eight people had died in the villages of Sant Llorenc des Cardassar, S'Illot and Arta.

A spokesman for the Spanish central government's office in the archipelago said other people were missing.

Antonia Bauza, deputy mayor of Sant Llorenc des Cardassar, told Spanish radio that two British nationals were among the dead.

She added there were also Britons among the missing.

Neither the emergency services, police nor the British foreign office were able to confirm this when contacted by AFP.

Ibiza, Formentera on alert

Spain's meteorological office said the neighbouring islands of Ibiza and Formentera were now on high alert as the rain and storms moved there.

In Majorca, the worst affected area lies 60 kilometres (37 miles) east of the capital Palma de Majorca.&nbsp;

Rescue workers searched overnight for missing people.

Around 100 extra emergency workers were dispatched from the Spanish mainland, along with two helicopters, eight vehicles and search dogs, the country's emergency military unit said.

Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez tweeted his "solidarity and support for the relatives and friends of the victims, and for all those affected by this tragic flooding."

Spanish tennis star Rafael Nadal, who is from the affected area in Majorca, said on Instagram he was offering to open up his sports centre and tennis academy to people displaced by the floods.

"Our most sincere condolences to the loved ones of the victims of the serious floods in San Llorenc," he wrote.

Many locals hit by the flooding spent the night in sports centres.

Maria Magdalena Ferrer, spokeswoman for the Manacor Hospital in the affected area, told AFP people "who were in the hospital yesterday and weren't able to go home" stayed the night.

She added five people had been admitted with injuries, none of them serious.

At least eight people have died, including two British nationals, and several others are missing in flash floods on the Spanish holiday island of Majorca, authorities and emergency services said Wednesday.

At least eight people have died, including two British nationals, and several others are missing in flash floods on the Spanish holiday island of Majorca, authorities and emergency services said Wednesday. Footage broadcast on Spanish television showed cars being swept away by raging waters and houses flooded after the Mediterranean island was pounded with heavy rain in just a few hours. One witness told a local newspaper he had to swim out of his car through a window to safety. "I swam 500 metres (1,650 feet) through the torrent until I got to a house," Manuel Torrescusa, told the Diario de Mallorca. "I hardly had any clothes on me as they all got caught on a metal fence when I was swimming." On Twitter, emergency services in the Balearic Islands said eight people had died in the villages of Sant Llorenc des Cardassar, S'Illot and Arta. A spokesman for the Spanish central government's office in the archipelago said other people were missing. Antonia Bauza, deputy mayor of Sant Llorenc des Cardassar, told Spanish radio that two British nationals were among the dead. She added there were also Britons among the missing. Neither the emergency services, police nor the British foreign office were able to confirm this when contacted by AFP. Ibiza, Formentera on alert Spain's meteorological office said the neighbouring islands of Ibiza and Formentera were now on high alert as the rain and storms moved there. In Majorca, the worst affected area lies 60 kilometres (37 miles) east of the capital Palma de Majorca. Rescue workers searched overnight for missing people. Around 100 extra emergency workers were dispatched from the Spanish mainland, along with two helicopters, eight vehicles and search dogs, the country's emergency military unit said. Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez tweeted his "solidarity and support for the relatives and friends of the victims, and for all those affected by this tragic flooding." Spanish tennis star Rafael Nadal, who is from the affected area in Majorca, said on Instagram he was offering to open up his sports centre and tennis academy to people displaced by the floods. "Our most sincere condolences to the loved ones of the victims of the serious floods in San Llorenc," he wrote. Many locals hit by the flooding spent the night in sports centres. Maria Magdalena Ferrer, spokeswoman for the Manacor Hospital in the affected area, told AFP people "who were in the hospital yesterday and weren't able to go home" stayed the night. She added five people had been admitted with injuries, none of them serious.

Eight dead, several missing in Spain's Majorca flash floods

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/south-asia/president-yameens-party-challenges-election-results-in-maldives-supreme-court-170671">President Yameen's party challenges election results in Maldives Supreme Court</a>

Maldives President Abdulla Yameen's party today filed a petition in the Supreme Court challenging his election defeat last month. Yameen's U-turn comes after he conceded defeat to Ibrahim Mohamed Solih-led Opposition parties. Yameen had earlier said he had met Solih and congratulated him on his election victory.

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/severe-cyclonic-storm-titli-to-hit-odisha-ap-coast-tomorrow-at-wind-speed-of-145-kmph-170648">Severe cyclonic storm '</a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/severe-cyclonic-storm-titli-to-hit-odisha-ap-coast-tomorrow-at-wind-speed-of-145-kmph-170648">Titli</a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/severe-cyclonic-storm-titli-to-hit-odisha-ap-coast-tomorrow-at-wind-speed-of-145-kmph-170648">' to hit Odisha-Andhra Pradesh coast tomorrow at </a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/severe-cyclonic-storm-titli-to-hit-odisha-ap-coast-tomorrow-at-wind-speed-of-145-kmph-170648">wind</a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/severe-cyclonic-storm-titli-to-hit-odisha-ap-coast-tomorrow-at-wind-speed-of-145-kmph-170648"> speed of 145 </a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/severe-cyclonic-storm-titli-to-hit-odisha-ap-coast-tomorrow-at-wind-speed-of-145-kmph-170648">kmph</a>

Cyclone 'Titli' over the Bay of Bengal intensified into a severe cyclonic storm Wednesday and is moving towards the Odisha-Andhra Pradesh coast, triggering rainfall in several parts of Odisha, the India Meteorological Department (IMD) said.

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/saudi-journalist-was-killed-by-15-man-hit-team-that-then-dismembered-his-body-with-bone-saw-nyt-170659">Journalist Khashoggi was killed by Saudi 'hit team' that then dismembered his body with </a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/saudi-journalist-was-killed-by-15-man-hit-team-that-then-dismembered-his-body-with-bone-saw-nyt-170659">bone</a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/saudi-journalist-was-killed-by-15-man-hit-team-that-then-dismembered-his-body-with-bone-saw-nyt-170659"> saw: NYT</a>

The prominent Saudi journalist Jamal Khashoggi entered the Saudi Arabian consulate in Istanbul, for some routine paperwok, on October 2 a little before 1.15 pm.&nbsp;His girlfriend, who was waiting for him outside, says he never came out.&nbsp;

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/south-asia/imf-warns-pakistan-against-excessive-loans-from-china-170672">IMF warns Pakistan against ‘excessive loans’ from China</a>

Pakistan has not yet formally approached the International Monetary Fund for financial assistance, but if bailout talks get underway this week, the goal will be to help Pakistan reach its full potential, the IMF’s chief economist said on Tuesday.

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/eight-dead-in-majorca-flash-flooding-170676">Eight dead in Spain's Majorca flash flooding</a>

At least eight people have died, including two British nationals, and several others are missing in flash floods on the Spanish holiday island of Majorca, authorities and emergency services said Wednesday.

&nbsp;

President Yameen's party challenges election results in Maldives Supreme Court Maldives President Abdulla Yameen's party today filed a petition in the Supreme Court challenging his election defeat last month.

President Yameen's party challenges election results in Maldives Supreme Court Maldives President Abdulla Yameen's party today filed a petition in the Supreme Court challenging his election defeat last month. Yameen's U-turn comes after he conceded defeat to Ibrahim Mohamed Solih-led Opposition parties. Yameen had earlier said he had met Solih and congratulated him on his election victory. Severe cyclonic storm 'Titli' to hit Odisha-Andhra Pradesh coast tomorrow at wind speed of 145 kmph Cyclone 'Titli' over the Bay of Bengal intensified into a severe cyclonic storm Wednesday and is moving towards the Odisha-Andhra Pradesh coast, triggering rainfall in several parts of Odisha, the India Meteorological Department (IMD) said. Journalist Khashoggi was killed by Saudi 'hit team' that then dismembered his body with bone saw: NYT The prominent Saudi journalist Jamal Khashoggi entered the Saudi Arabian consulate in Istanbul, for some routine paperwok, on October 2 a little before 1.15 pm. His girlfriend, who was waiting for him outside, says he never came out. IMF warns Pakistan against ‘excessive loans’ from China Pakistan has not yet formally approached the International Monetary Fund for financial assistance, but if bailout talks get underway this week, the goal will be to help Pakistan reach its full potential, the IMF’s chief economist said on Tuesday. Eight dead in Spain's Majorca flash flooding At least eight people have died, including two British nationals, and several others are missing in flash floods on the Spanish holiday island of Majorca, authorities and emergency services said Wednesday.

News brief: Big stories of the day

Just a day after he was sacked on the eve of the World Cup, former Spain coach Julen Lopetegui arrived in Madrid on Thursday where he will be officially presented as Real Madrid's new manager.

Lopetegui landed at Madrid's Barajas airport just before 5 am (0300 GMT). He will be officially presented as Real new coach for the next three seasons at an event at the Spanish giants' Santiago Bernabeu stadium at 7 pm (1700 GMT), the club said in a statement.

"I am very sad, but we have a magnificent team and hopefully we'll win the World Cup," Lopetegui told reporters on his departure from Spain's training base in Krasnodar on Wednesday.

Spain's World Cup preparations were thrown into turmoil on Wednesday as Real Madrid-bound coach Julen Lopetegui was sacked by the Spanish Football Federation (RFEF), with Fernando Hierro taking charge just two days before their opening game in Russia.

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 Spanish federation and fans at the timing of the announcement.

"Negotiating is legitimate but it took place without the RFEF being informed until five minutes before a press statement was released," federation chief Luis Rubiales told a joint news conference on Wednesday with Hierro.

"I have spoken with the players and what I can guarantee is that the players will do everything in their power, along with the new technical team, to take the team as far as possible," he added.

Lopetegui, who did not lose a single game in 20 matches as Spain boss, had signed a new contract with the federation until 2020 just last month.

- 'Biggest absurdity' -

=======================

Spain players reportedly resisted his sacking, which came as Spain are due to face European champions Portugal in Sochi on Friday before taking on Iran and Morocco in Group B.

There were fears Lopetegui's appointment by the European champions could open up old divisions between the Real Madrid and Barcelona factions in the Spain squad.

"You could not start a World Cup in a worse way," wrote sports daily Marca.

Top-selling daily newspaper El Pais called Lopetegui's dismissal "the biggest absurdity in the history of Spanish football" in an article accompanied with a photo of the sacked coach, wearing sunglasses, as he left Russia.

"Vaudeville at the World Cup," wrote rival daily El Mundo, adding Wednesday was "the darkest day in the history of the Spanish national team".

Hierro, 50, was named as an emergency replacement despite having only one season's managerial experience in the Spanish Second Division with Real Oviedo. He was popular among the players as the federation's sporting director between 2007 and 2011, and returned to that role in November of last year.

With at least six of the expected starting XI for the Portugal game to come from Madrid and Barca, Hierro, himself a former Real captain, must ensure club loyalties don't further undermine Spain's chances with divisions already appearing between the players and the federation.

"We don't have time to feel sorry for ourselves. The objective is to fight for a World Cup. The players have been working towards this for two years," said Hierro.

"I've told the players that we have a wonderful, exciting challenge and we can't let this be an excuse to distract us from our dream."&nbsp

He will be officially presented as Real new coach for the next three seasons at an event

Just a day after he was sacked on the eve of the World Cup, former Spain coach Julen Lopetegui arrived in Madrid on Thursday where he will be officially presented as Real Madrid's new manager. Lopetegui landed at Madrid's Barajas airport just before 5 am (0300 GMT). He will be officially presented as Real new coach for the next three seasons at an event at the Spanish giants' Santiago Bernabeu stadium at 7 pm (1700 GMT), the club said in a statement. "I am very sad, but we have a magnificent team and hopefully we'll win the World Cup," Lopetegui told reporters on his departure from Spain's training base in Krasnodar on Wednesday. Spain's World Cup preparations were thrown into turmoil on Wednesday as Real Madrid-bound coach Julen Lopetegui was sacked by the Spanish Football Federation (RFEF), with Fernando Hierro taking charge just two days before their opening game in Russia. 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 Spanish federation and fans at the timing of the announcement. "Negotiating is legitimate but it took place without the RFEF being informed until five minutes before a press statement was released," federation chief Luis Rubiales told a joint news conference on Wednesday with Hierro. "I have spoken with the players and what I can guarantee is that the players will do everything in their power, along with the new technical team, to take the team as far as possible," he added. Lopetegui, who did not lose a single game in 20 matches as Spain boss, had signed a new contract with the federation until 2020 just last month. - 'Biggest absurdity' - ======================= Spain players reportedly resisted his sacking, which came as Spain are due to face European champions Portugal in Sochi on Friday before taking on Iran and Morocco in Group B. There were fears Lopetegui's appointment by the European champions could open up old divisions between the Real Madrid and Barcelona factions in the Spain squad. "You could not start a World Cup in a worse way," wrote sports daily Marca. Top-selling daily newspaper El Pais called Lopetegui's dismissal "the biggest absurdity in the history of Spanish football" in an article accompanied with a photo of the sacked coach, wearing sunglasses, as he left Russia. "Vaudeville at the World Cup," wrote rival daily El Mundo, adding Wednesday was "the darkest day in the history of the Spanish national team". Hierro, 50, was named as an emergency replacement despite having only one season's managerial experience in the Spanish Second Division with Real Oviedo. He was popular among the players as the federation's sporting director between 2007 and 2011, and returned to that role in November of last year. With at least six of the expected starting XI for the Portugal game to come from Madrid and Barca, Hierro, himself a former Real captain, must ensure club loyalties don't further undermine Spain's chances with divisions already appearing between the players and the federation. "We don't have time to feel sorry for ourselves. The objective is to fight for a World Cup. The players have been working towards this for two years," said Hierro. "I've told the players that we have a wonderful, exciting challenge and we can't let this be an excuse to distract us from our dream."

After surprise sacking, Spain's ex-coach Lopetegui to be presented at Real Madrid

FIFA World Cup 2018 has begun with its first controversy hitting the tournament and creating turmoil.

Even before the teams took their position on the ground, coaches and football associations have levelled allegations against each other, with some even preferring to change their sides.&nbsp;

With less than 24 hours left for the carnival to start, Spanish national team has been plunged into crisis after its former coach Julen Lopetegui was sacked by the country's football association after reports emerged of him signing a three-year-contract with Real Madrid.&nbsp;

Left with no option, the Spanish football federation (RFEF) announced it had dismissed the 51-year-old because negotiations occurred without any information to the football association.&nbsp;

The termination was surely a first of its kind incident in FIFA World Cup's history, with the association describing it as an "obligation".&nbsp;

Hours later, another news surfaced that Spain sporting director Fernando Hierro replaced Lopetegui with immediate&nbsp;effect and will coach the team which is already in Russia for the tournament.

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Lopetegui became Spain's manager in 2016 following Vicente del Bosque's retirement and remained unbeaten through his reign. Under him, Spain won 14 of 20 games with Lopetegui in charge, drawing the remaining six.

The stats highlight two reasons behind his exit - either he made a foolish decision or it was a forced one.&nbsp;

Though Spain is not a team of World-Cup contenders but they surely a tough competitor.&nbsp;&nbsp;

The country will now be coached by a footballer with 89 caps for Spain, but will he be able to turn the tables in his team's favour, is yet to be seen.&nbsp;

Coaches and football associations have levelled allegations against each other

FIFA World Cup 2018 has begun with its first controversy hitting the tournament and creating turmoil. Even before the teams took their position on the ground, coaches and football associations have levelled allegations against each other, with some even preferring to change their sides. With less than 24 hours left for the carnival to start, Spanish national team has been plunged into crisis after its former coach Julen Lopetegui was sacked by the country's football association after reports emerged of him signing a three-year-contract with Real Madrid. Left with no option, the Spanish football federation (RFEF) announced it had dismissed the 51-year-old because negotiations occurred without any information to the football association. The termination was surely a first of its kind incident in FIFA World Cup's history, with the association describing it as an "obligation". Hours later, another news surfaced that Spain sporting director Fernando Hierro replaced Lopetegui with immediate effect and will coach the team which is already in Russia for the tournament. × Lopetegui became Spain's manager in 2016 following Vicente del Bosque's retirement and remained unbeaten through his reign. Under him, Spain won 14 of 20 games with Lopetegui in charge, drawing the remaining six. The stats highlight two reasons behind his exit - either he made a foolish decision or it was a forced one. Though Spain is not a team of World-Cup contenders but they surely a tough competitor. The country will now be coached by a footballer with 89 caps for Spain, but will he be able to turn the tables in his team's favour, is yet to be seen.

Ahead of kick off, FIFA World Cup hit by first controversy

On the eve of the football World Cup 2018, Spain encountered an unwanted chaos which might cost the "The Red Fury" in their opener match against arch-rival Portugal.

Just a day before the tournament, Spain's coach Julen Lopetegui was fired by Spanish football association. The association has appointed Fernando Hierro as the new coach.

The former coach Lopetegui has actively participated with team's training sessions and the team must have gotten into the comfort zone with him but this sudden change in leadership will have repercussions during football World Cup.

The sacking came a day after Julen Lopetegui was signed up as Real Madrid's coach. His record for Spanish national team has been outstanding as under his guidance Spain remained unbeaten in 20 games since 2016.

The signing seemed very unethical, resulted in Lopetegui ouster and now the impact of which will be seen in the World Cup opener against Portugal.

The Portugal - Spain football rivalry is one of the oldest in the game. It is also known as "The Iberian War" or "The Iberian Derby."&nbsp

Both teams have met on several occasions since their first match in 1921 and Spain have dominated Portugal on most times. Out of their 36 meetings (of which 8 matches were competitive), Spain and Portugal have won 18 and six matches respectively.

Spain and Portugal represent the strongest football nations in the world.

The history behind the Spain Portugal rivalry started in the 15th century and it continued when the Portuguese Restoration War was initiated against Spain, and Portugal regained its independence under the Braganza dynasty.&nbsp

In the 18th century (Napoleonic Era), wars were very often between the major kingdoms and Portugal and Spain.

Although, Spain have a better record in history against Portugal but with Cristiano Ronaldo leading from the front for Portugal and the ongoing mayhem in the Spanish team, Ronaldo's team have an upper hand in the crucial World Cup encounter which is scheduled to be played on June 15, Friday.

(Disclaimer: The opinions expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of ZMCL)

Although, Spain have a better record in history against Portugal but with Cristiano Ronaldo leading from the front for Portugal and the ongoing mayhem in the Spanish team, Ronaldo's team have an upper hand in the Spain-Portugal clash

On the eve of the football World Cup 2018, Spain encountered an unwanted chaos which might cost the "The Red Fury" in their opener match against arch-rival Portugal. Just a day before the tournament, Spain's coach Julen Lopetegui was fired by Spanish football association. The association has appointed Fernando Hierro as the new coach. The former coach Lopetegui has actively participated with team's training sessions and the team must have gotten into the comfort zone with him but this sudden change in leadership will have repercussions during football World Cup. The sacking came a day after Julen Lopetegui was signed up as Real Madrid's coach. His record for Spanish national team has been outstanding as under his guidance Spain remained unbeaten in 20 games since 2016. The signing seemed very unethical, resulted in Lopetegui ouster and now the impact of which will be seen in the World Cup opener against Portugal. The Portugal - Spain football rivalry is one of the oldest in the game. It is also known as "The Iberian War" or "The Iberian Derby." Both teams have met on several occasions since their first match in 1921 and Spain have dominated Portugal on most times. Out of their 36 meetings (of which 8 matches were competitive), Spain and Portugal have won 18 and six matches respectively. Spain and Portugal represent the strongest football nations in the world. The history behind the Spain Portugal rivalry started in the 15th century and it continued when the Portuguese Restoration War was initiated against Spain, and Portugal regained its independence under the Braganza dynasty. In the 18th century (Napoleonic Era), wars were very often between the major kingdoms and Portugal and Spain. Although, Spain have a better record in history against Portugal but with Cristiano Ronaldo leading from the front for Portugal and the ongoing mayhem in the Spanish team, Ronaldo's team have an upper hand in the crucial World Cup encounter which is scheduled to be played on June 15, Friday. (Disclaimer: The opinions expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of ZMCL)

Opinion: Unwanted chaos ahead of World Cup may mar Spain's chances against Ronaldo's Portugal

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India's premier investigating agency the Central Bureau of Investigation(CBI) has requested the Interpol to issue a Red Corner Notice(RCN) against Nirav Modi's brother Nishal Modi and his company executive Suresh Shankar.

<a href="http://wionews.com/india-news/mumbai-massive-fire-atop-prabhadevi-high-rise-no-loss-of-life-reported-144112">Mumbai: Fire at Prabhadevi high rise contained, no loss of life reported</a>

According to reports, fire at Mumbai's BeauMonde Towers has been contained. A major fire broke out on the top floor of a high rise building in Mumbai's Prabhadevi area on Wednesday. Level - II fire broke out in BeauMonde Towers at Appasaheb Marathe Marg in Prabhadevi locality, Worli, ANI reported.

<a href="http://wionews.com/sports/fernando-hierro-named-new-coach-after-spain-sacks-julen-lopetegui--144176">Fernando Hierro named new coach after Spain sacks Julen Lopetegui</a>

Former Spanish footballer Fernando Hierro on Wednesday was announced as the new coach of Spain football team, hours after association sacked Julen Lopetegui.&nbsp

<a href="http://wionews.com/south-asia/maldives-former-president-maumoon-abdul-gayoom-sentenced-to-jail-144155">Maldives: Former President Maumoon Abdul Gayoom sentenced to jail&nbsp</a>

According to reports, former President of the Maldives Maumoon Abdul Gayoom has been sentenced to jail. Maumoon will serve a total of 1 year 7 months and 6 days in jail.

<a href="http://wionews.com/world/north-korea-no-longer-a-nuclear-threat-says-trump-144139">'North Korea no longer a nuclear threat,' says Trump</a>

President Trump said today that North Korea is no longer a nuclear threat as he arrived at US Air Force base in Maryland after successfully concluded his meeting with Kim Jong-un on Tuesday.

&nbsp

CBI requests Interpol for Red Corner Notice against Nirav Modi's brother Nishal India's premier investigating agency the Central Bureau of Investigation(CBI) has requested the Interpol to issue a Red Corner Notice(RCN) against Nirav Modi's brother Nishal Modi and his company executive Suresh Shankar. Mumbai: Fire at Prabhadevi high rise contained, no loss of life reported According to reports, fire at Mumbai's BeauMonde Towers has been contained. A major fire broke out on the top floor of a high rise building in Mumbai's Prabhadevi area on Wednesday. Level - II fire broke out in BeauMonde Towers at Appasaheb Marathe Marg in Prabhadevi locality, Worli, ANI reported. Fernando Hierro named new coach after Spain sacks Julen Lopetegui Former Spanish footballer Fernando Hierro on Wednesday was announced as the new coach of Spain football team, hours after association sacked Julen Lopetegui. Maldives: Former President Maumoon Abdul Gayoom sentenced to jail According to reports, former President of the Maldives Maumoon Abdul Gayoom has been sentenced to jail. Maumoon will serve a total of 1 year 7 months and 6 days in jail. 'North Korea no longer a nuclear threat,' says Trump President Trump said today that North Korea is no longer a nuclear threat as he arrived at US Air Force base in Maryland after successfully concluded his meeting with Kim Jong-un on Tuesday.

News brief: Read big stories of the day

Former Spanish footballer Fernando Hierro on Wednesday was announced as the new coach of Spain football team, hours after association sacked Julen Lopetegui.&nbsp

Former Real Madrid and Bolton star Hierro will be in the dugout on Friday when Spain open their Group B campaign against Portugal in FIFA 2018 World Cup.

The 50-year-old is Spain's sporting director and his only managerial experience is a year in charge of Oviedo.

Hierro spent 14 years at Real Madrid before a year in Saudi Arabia and 12 months at Bolton.

He won 89 caps for his country.

Lopetegui’s contract was terminated as a matter of principle after the coach negotiated with Real Madrid behind Spain association's back.&nbsp

The sacking came in response to the news that Lopetegui had agreed to take over at Real Madrid when the World Cup ends.

Former Spanish footballer Fernando Hierro on Wednesday was announced as the new coach of Spain football team, hours after association sacked Julen Lopetegui. Former Real Madrid and Bolton star Hierro will be in the dugout on Friday when Spain open their Group B campaign against Portugal in FIFA 2018 World Cup. The 50-year-old is Spain's sporting director and his only managerial experience is a year in charge of Oviedo. Hierro spent 14 years at Real Madrid before a year in Saudi Arabia and 12 months at Bolton. He won 89 caps for his country. Lopetegui’s contract was terminated as a matter of principle after the coach negotiated with Real Madrid behind Spain association's back. The sacking came in response to the news that Lopetegui had agreed to take over at Real Madrid when the World Cup ends.

Fernando Hierro named new coach after Spain sacks Julen Lopetegui

The coach of Spain's national soccer team has been fired two days before the squad's first match in the 2018 FIFA World Cup in Russia after it was announced that he would be training European powerhouse Real Madrid next season, the president of the Spanish football association said Wednesday. 
 
Julen Lopetegui, whose signing for Real Madrid was announced on the club's website on Tuesday, had been at the helm of the Spanish squad since 2016, and remained unbeaten in 20 games. 
 
Spanish Federation President Luis Rubiales said in a shock presser that he had lost confidence in Lopetegui after learning about the news five minutes before it was made public by Real Madrid.

Frenchman Zinedine Zidane stepped down two weeks ago, days after leading Real to a third consecutive Champions League title.

Lopetegui, who last month signed a new contract through to 2020 with Spain, spent three years with Real as a player, making a solitary first-team appearance in 1990.

The Spanish Football Federation (RFEF) said in a statement that it would receive “the full buy-out clause so the current national team boss can sign for Real Madrid”.

“The RFEF asks for maximum respect in order that normality is kept in the national team’s training camp just ahead of our first game at the World Cup against Portugal,” the statement added.

The 51-year-old took over as Spain coach in 2016 following the retirement of Vicente Del Bosque who led his country to victory in the 2010 World Cup and 2012 European Championship.

Spain, unbeaten in 20 games under Lopetegui, play neighbours Portugal on Friday in their opening World Cup Group B match in Sochi, Russia before facing Iran and Morocco.

Former goalkeeper Lopetegui spent a season as coach of Real’s B-team Castilla from 2008-09 before taking over as Spain Under-19 manager in 2010.

He enjoyed success with the country’s youth sides, winning the 2012 Under-19 European Championship before repeating the feat as Under-21 boss 12 months later.

Lopetegui’s forays into club management have been less successful. He was sacked from a brief spell in charge of Rayo Vallecano in Spain’s second division in 2003 and left Portuguese club Porto after failing to win any silverware from 2014-16.

The coach of Spain's national soccer team has been fired two days before the squad's first match in the 2018 FIFA World Cup in Russia

The coach of Spain's national soccer team has been fired two days before the squad's first match in the 2018 FIFA World Cup in Russia after it was announced that he would be training European powerhouse Real Madrid next season, the president of the Spanish football association said Wednesday. Julen Lopetegui, whose signing for Real Madrid was announced on the club's website on Tuesday, had been at the helm of the Spanish squad since 2016, and remained unbeaten in 20 games. Spanish Federation President Luis Rubiales said in a shock presser that he had lost confidence in Lopetegui after learning about the news five minutes before it was made public by Real Madrid. Frenchman Zinedine Zidane stepped down two weeks ago, days after leading Real to a third consecutive Champions League title. Lopetegui, who last month signed a new contract through to 2020 with Spain, spent three years with Real as a player, making a solitary first-team appearance in 1990. The Spanish Football Federation (RFEF) said in a statement that it would receive “the full buy-out clause so the current national team boss can sign for Real Madrid”. “The RFEF asks for maximum respect in order that normality is kept in the national team’s training camp just ahead of our first game at the World Cup against Portugal,” the statement added. The 51-year-old took over as Spain coach in 2016 following the retirement of Vicente Del Bosque who led his country to victory in the 2010 World Cup and 2012 European Championship. Spain, unbeaten in 20 games under Lopetegui, play neighbours Portugal on Friday in their opening World Cup Group B match in Sochi, Russia before facing Iran and Morocco. Former goalkeeper Lopetegui spent a season as coach of Real’s B-team Castilla from 2008-09 before taking over as Spain Under-19 manager in 2010. He enjoyed success with the country’s youth sides, winning the 2012 Under-19 European Championship before repeating the feat as Under-21 boss 12 months later. Lopetegui’s forays into club management have been less successful. He was sacked from a brief spell in charge of Rayo Vallecano in Spain’s second division in 2003 and left Portuguese club Porto after failing to win any silverware from 2014-16.

Spain national football coach Julen Lopetegui fired after signing for Real Madrid

The 2018 French Open men's singles final is set, world number one Rafael Nadal will face Austrian Dominic Thiem on June 10, Sunday at Philippe-Chatrier.

Only two players have managed to beat Nadal at the French Open since he first bounded into Roland Garros in 2005 armed with a bulging left bicep, pirate pants and a pulverising brand of claycourt tennis the like of which had not been seen before.

Thirteen years on and his record next to the Bois de Boulogne stands at an incredible 85 wins and two losses.

The 86th win on Sunday will give the 32-year-old Spaniard an 11th French Open title -- a joint record for triumphs at a single Grand Slam along with Margaret Court who won 11 Australian Open trophies, albeit not all in the professional era.

It looks a daunting mission for the 24-year-old Thiem but not necessarily an impossible one.

He is the only player to beat Nadal on clay in the past two years -- in Rome last year and in Madrid last month -- and this season no other player, not even the undisputed claycourt king, can count as many match wins on the red dirt.

True, he was obliterated by Nadal in the semi-final 12 months ago but Thiem has added more aggression to his natural claycourt weapons, specifically the forehand, as he displayed when stunning Nadal in the Madrid quarter-final.

That win, according to three-times former champion Mats Wilander, should be all Thiem is thinking about when he prepares for Sunday's clash.

"Forget the 10 (French Open titles) and forget what happened last year, Thiem has to remember what happened in Madrid which is a title Nadal wants to win almost as much as the French," Wilander, Eurosport's chief analyst, told Reuters.

Wilander believes Thiem can worry Nadal if he is prepared to "take risks" like Diego Schwartzman did in the quarter-finals when he snapped the left-hander's run of 37 consecutive completed sets won at the French Open by snatching the opener.

If not, it will be Goodnight Vienna for the man with one of the best single-handed backhands in tennis.

"The only way to beat Rafa on clay is to take risks... to over-achieve you have to over-play and risk more than you feel comfortable doing," Wilander said.

"If Thiem can do that and build enough hope in the first hour, hour and a half, maybe get the first set he can make it physical like he did in Madrid. I'm not sure if Thiem and Rafa had a run in the Bois de Boulogne that Rafa would win.

"Thiem is an animal physically and in terms of hitting the ball hard on the forehand."

Plenty have gone in with sound tactical plans against the 16-times Grand Slam champion in Paris but when the forehand bombardment begins, the best-laid plans usually fall apart as was the case in Friday's semi-final when Nadal thrashed Juan Martin del Potro who many thought posed a credible threat.

"Rafa is a genius on clay, so far ahead tactically," Wilander said. "It's like he has a built-in coach in his mind. You can't tell what he's going to do before he does it, but when he does it, it all looks so obvious!"

Thiem is looking to become only the second Austrian player -- man or woman -- to win a Grand Slam title after Thomas Muster's French Open victory in 1995.

Nadal will retain the world number one ranking if he wins - but that will be the last thing on his mind.

The 2018 French Open men's singles final is set, world number one Rafael Nadal will face Austrian Dominic Thiem at Philippe-Chatrier

The 2018 French Open men's singles final is set, world number one Rafael Nadal will face Austrian Dominic Thiem on June 10, Sunday at Philippe-Chatrier. Only two players have managed to beat Nadal at the French Open since he first bounded into Roland Garros in 2005 armed with a bulging left bicep, pirate pants and a pulverising brand of claycourt tennis the like of which had not been seen before. Thirteen years on and his record next to the Bois de Boulogne stands at an incredible 85 wins and two losses. The 86th win on Sunday will give the 32-year-old Spaniard an 11th French Open title -- a joint record for triumphs at a single Grand Slam along with Margaret Court who won 11 Australian Open trophies, albeit not all in the professional era. It looks a daunting mission for the 24-year-old Thiem but not necessarily an impossible one. He is the only player to beat Nadal on clay in the past two years -- in Rome last year and in Madrid last month -- and this season no other player, not even the undisputed claycourt king, can count as many match wins on the red dirt. True, he was obliterated by Nadal in the semi-final 12 months ago but Thiem has added more aggression to his natural claycourt weapons, specifically the forehand, as he displayed when stunning Nadal in the Madrid quarter-final. That win, according to three-times former champion Mats Wilander, should be all Thiem is thinking about when he prepares for Sunday's clash. "Forget the 10 (French Open titles) and forget what happened last year, Thiem has to remember what happened in Madrid which is a title Nadal wants to win almost as much as the French," Wilander, Eurosport's chief analyst, told Reuters. Wilander believes Thiem can worry Nadal if he is prepared to "take risks" like Diego Schwartzman did in the quarter-finals when he snapped the left-hander's run of 37 consecutive completed sets won at the French Open by snatching the opener. If not, it will be Goodnight Vienna for the man with one of the best single-handed backhands in tennis. "The only way to beat Rafa on clay is to take risks... to over-achieve you have to over-play and risk more than you feel comfortable doing," Wilander said. "If Thiem can do that and build enough hope in the first hour, hour and a half, maybe get the first set he can make it physical like he did in Madrid. I'm not sure if Thiem and Rafa had a run in the Bois de Boulogne that Rafa would win. "Thiem is an animal physically and in terms of hitting the ball hard on the forehand." Plenty have gone in with sound tactical plans against the 16-times Grand Slam champion in Paris but when the forehand bombardment begins, the best-laid plans usually fall apart as was the case in Friday's semi-final when Nadal thrashed Juan Martin del Potro who many thought posed a credible threat. "Rafa is a genius on clay, so far ahead tactically," Wilander said. "It's like he has a built-in coach in his mind. You can't tell what he's going to do before he does it, but when he does it, it all looks so obvious!" Thiem is looking to become only the second Austrian player -- man or woman -- to win a Grand Slam title after Thomas Muster's French Open victory in 1995. Nadal will retain the world number one ranking if he wins - but that will be the last thing on his mind.

French Open: Dominic Thiem or Rafael Nadal? Who will win the men's singles final

Spain have played in 14 World Cups and qualified for every edition since 1978. They have won it once, beating the Netherlands 1-0 in the 2010 final in South Africa with an extra-time strike from Andres Iniesta.

Before then they had reached the quarter-finals in 1934, 1986, 1994 and 2002 but lost every time. As holders they suffered a shock elimination from the group stage in 2014.

<hr />
Coach: Julen Lopetegui

Former goalkeeper Lopetegui spent most of his career with Logrones and Rayo Vallecano and had brief stints at Real Madrid and Barcelona. He made one appearance for Spain and was an unused substitute at the 1994 World Cup.

He coached Rayo Vallecano and Real Madrid's reserve team before going into Spain's youth team set-up, leading the under-21 team to glory at the 2013 European Championship with a side containing future first teamers Isco, Koke and David de Gea.

After being sacked following a trophy-less 18 months at FC Porto he was named Vicente del Bosque's successor in July 2016. He has rejuvenated the squad with many of his former charges from the under-21 side and helped them to recover their attacking flair, refocusing on a possession-based style of play but making them faster and more dangerous on the counter-attack.

<hr />
Key players:

Isco: Lopetegui knows how to get the best out of the Real Madrid playmaker. He can play across midfield, behind the striker or even as a deep-lying centre-forward and ran riot in impressive wins over Italy and Argentina.

Andres Iniesta: The Barcelona veteran has conducted Spain's all-powerful midfield for more than a decade and was the heartbeat of their world dominance between 2008 and 2012. Still, as masterful on the ball as ever at 34 years of age, he will be looking for one last hurrah in Russia before quitting international football and leaving Barca.

Sergio Ramos: The centre-back and captain has developed a win-at-all-costs mentality and knows exactly how to manage the biggest games. An unforgiving opponent for attackers due to his physical presence and never-say-die attitude, Ramos's experience of four Champions League finals with Real Madrid and five major tournaments will be vital to Spain's hopes.

<hr />
Form guide:

Spain have not lost since their Euro 2016 last-16 defeat to Italy and have won 13 out of 18 games with Lopetegui, drawing five. They comprehensively beat France and Belgium in international friendlies and proved their credentials by ripping apart Argentina 6-1 in their last outing.

How they qualified:

Spain breezed their way through qualifying by winning every game aside from a 1-1 draw away to Italy, whom they outclassed 3-0 at home to finish above them and top of their group, scoring 36 goals in 10 games.

<hr />
Prospects:

Spain will face a testing opener against European champions Portugal which is likely to determine whether they finish top of Group B, which also contains Iran and Morocco.

If they win the group they are likely to face either Uruguay or Egypt in the last 16, with a possible quarter-final against Argentina, Croatia or France coming next.

Given the talent in the squad and their form under Lopetegui, a semi-final appearance should be the minimal target, although they will feel confident they can go all the way.

<hr />
Spains's fixture:

June 15

11:30 PM | Portugal vs Spain | Fisht Olympic Stadium, Sochi

June 20

11:30 PM | Iran vs Spain | Kazan Arena, Kazan

June 25

11:30 PM | Spain vs Morocco | Kaliningrad Stadium, Kaliningrad

<hr />
Squad:

Goalkeepers: David De Gea (Manchester United/ENG), Pepe Reina (Napoli/ITA), Kepa Arrizabalaga (Athletic Bilbao/ESP)

Defenders: Jordi Alba (Barcelona/ESP), Cesar Azpilicueta (Chelsea/ENG), Nacho Monreal (Arsenal/ENG), Dani Carvajal (Real Madrid/ESP), Nacho Fernandez (Real Madrid/ESP), Gerard Pique (Barcelona/ESP), Sergio Ramos (Real Madrid/ESP), Alvaro Odriozola (Real Sociedad/ESP)

Midfielders: Thiago Alcantara (Bayern Munich/GER), Sergio Busquets (Barcelona/ESP), Andres Iniesta (Barcelona/ESP), Koke (Atletico Madrid/ESP), Saul Niguez (Atletico Madrid/ESP), Marco Asensio (Real Madrid/ESP), David Silva (Manchester City/ENG), Lucas Vazquez (Real Madrid/ESP), Isco (Real Madrid/ESP)

Forwards: Iago Aspas (Celta Vigo/ESP), Rodrigo (Valencia/ESP), Diego Costa (Atletico Madrid/ESP)

<img alt="fifa 2018 Russia.jpg" data-entity-type="" data-entity-uuid="" height="430" src="http://images.wionews.com/iniline-images/sports/fifa%202018%20Russia.jpg" width="770" />

Spain have played in 14 World Cups and qualified for every edition since 1978. They have won it once, beating the Netherlands 1-0 in the 2010

Spain have played in 14 World Cups and qualified for every edition since 1978. They have won it once, beating the Netherlands 1-0 in the 2010 final in South Africa with an extra-time strike from Andres Iniesta. Before then they had reached the quarter-finals in 1934, 1986, 1994 and 2002 but lost every time. As holders they suffered a shock elimination from the group stage in 2014. Coach: Julen Lopetegui Former goalkeeper Lopetegui spent most of his career with Logrones and Rayo Vallecano and had brief stints at Real Madrid and Barcelona. He made one appearance for Spain and was an unused substitute at the 1994 World Cup. He coached Rayo Vallecano and Real Madrid's reserve team before going into Spain's youth team set-up, leading the under-21 team to glory at the 2013 European Championship with a side containing future first teamers Isco, Koke and David de Gea. After being sacked following a trophy-less 18 months at FC Porto he was named Vicente del Bosque's successor in July 2016. He has rejuvenated the squad with many of his former charges from the under-21 side and helped them to recover their attacking flair, refocusing on a possession-based style of play but making them faster and more dangerous on the counter-attack. Key players: Isco: Lopetegui knows how to get the best out of the Real Madrid playmaker. He can play across midfield, behind the striker or even as a deep-lying centre-forward and ran riot in impressive wins over Italy and Argentina. Andres Iniesta: The Barcelona veteran has conducted Spain's all-powerful midfield for more than a decade and was the heartbeat of their world dominance between 2008 and 2012. Still, as masterful on the ball as ever at 34 years of age, he will be looking for one last hurrah in Russia before quitting international football and leaving Barca. Sergio Ramos: The centre-back and captain has developed a win-at-all-costs mentality and knows exactly how to manage the biggest games. An unforgiving opponent for attackers due to his physical presence and never-say-die attitude, Ramos's experience of four Champions League finals with Real Madrid and five major tournaments will be vital to Spain's hopes. Form guide: Spain have not lost since their Euro 2016 last-16 defeat to Italy and have won 13 out of 18 games with Lopetegui, drawing five. They comprehensively beat France and Belgium in international friendlies and proved their credentials by ripping apart Argentina 6-1 in their last outing. How they qualified: Spain breezed their way through qualifying by winning every game aside from a 1-1 draw away to Italy, whom they outclassed 3-0 at home to finish above them and top of their group, scoring 36 goals in 10 games. Prospects: Spain will face a testing opener against European champions Portugal which is likely to determine whether they finish top of Group B, which also contains Iran and Morocco. If they win the group they are likely to face either Uruguay or Egypt in the last 16, with a possible quarter-final against Argentina, Croatia or France coming next. Given the talent in the squad and their form under Lopetegui, a semi-final appearance should be the minimal target, although they will feel confident they can go all the way. Spains's fixture: June 15 11:30 PM | Portugal vs Spain | Fisht Olympic Stadium, Sochi June 20 11:30 PM | Iran vs Spain | Kazan Arena, Kazan June 25 11:30 PM | Spain vs Morocco | Kaliningrad Stadium, Kaliningrad Squad: Goalkeepers: David De Gea (Manchester United/ENG), Pepe Reina (Napoli/ITA), Kepa Arrizabalaga (Athletic Bilbao/ESP) Defenders: Jordi Alba (Barcelona/ESP), Cesar Azpilicueta (Chelsea/ENG), Nacho Monreal (Arsenal/ENG), Dani Carvajal (Real Madrid/ESP), Nacho Fernandez (Real Madrid/ESP), Gerard Pique (Barcelona/ESP), Sergio Ramos (Real Madrid/ESP), Alvaro Odriozola (Real Sociedad/ESP) Midfielders: Thiago Alcantara (Bayern Munich/GER), Sergio Busquets (Barcelona/ESP), Andres Iniesta (Barcelona/ESP), Koke (Atletico Madrid/ESP), Saul Niguez (Atletico Madrid/ESP), Marco Asensio (Real Madrid/ESP), David Silva (Manchester City/ENG), Lucas Vazquez (Real Madrid/ESP), Isco (Real Madrid/ESP) Forwards: Iago Aspas (Celta Vigo/ESP), Rodrigo (Valencia/ESP), Diego Costa (Atletico Madrid/ESP)

FIFA World Cup 2018: A complete profile of Spain

By Simon Toubeau and Pere Almeda*

Spain’s new prime minister Pedro Sanchez rose to office against a backdrop of unprecedented drama. But now he could capitalise on the circumstances that landed him the top job to resolve the conflict with Catalonia.

Sanchez successfully ousted his predecessor Mariano Rajoy by passing a motion of no confidence against the Partido Popular government. Seizing on the unique opportunity offered by the sentencing of several prominent PP officials in a long-running corruption trial, the opposition leader moved quickly.

Sanchez needed at least 176 votes but his Socialist party (PSOE) only had 84 seats and Ciudadanos, a centrist-liberal formation with a strong Spanish nationalist rhetoric, wouldn’t endorse a new left-wing government. So, Sanchez needed to muster the support of all other parties in the Spanish parliament. This included the left-wing party Podemos, and several nationalist parties from the Basque country and Catalonia, such as Esquerra Republicana de Catalunya (ERC).

At the same time, in Barcelona, Quim Torra – a Catalan nationalist hand-picked by the exiled former president Carles Puigdemont – was elected leader of a new Catalan government. This came after months of protracted negotiations that followed the extraordinary regional elections of December 2017. These were called by the Spanish central government immediately after it suspended the Catalan government for having symbolically issued a unilateral declaration of independence after the referendum held on October 1.

But any hope from Madrid that these elections would quell nationalist fervour backfired. The three parties in favour of Catalan independence (JuntsPerCat, Esquerra Republicana de Catalunya, Candidatura d’Unitat Popular) returned to parliament with a majority (albeit a slim one), determined to pursue their cause, setting them on a collision course with Madrid.

To avert this collision, Sanchez must now make good on the promise he made to his Catalan parliamentary allies to engage in a constructive dialogue with the Catalan government on how to resolve the ongoing conflict. 
The basis of a deal

At the basis of the deal between these parties was the common goal of ousting Rajoy from power. The Catalan parties will offer stability for the Spanish government: support for the continuation of a minority PSOE administration until the end of the legislature in 2020 and support on the party’s economic and social policies.

In exchange, the PSOE will need to make progress dealing with Spain’s unsolved national and territorial conflict since its transition to democracy in the late 1970s.

In the short term, Sanchez must de-escalate the conflict by putting an end to the acrimonious relationship between Spain and Catalonia. That means being willing to listen and to talk. There is already a ring of cautious optimism on that front. Sanchez seems prepared to engage in dialogue – unlike Rajoy.

Then Sanchez must restore the Catalan government’s authority, restoring devolved powers to the regional parliament. He will also have to deal with the trickier matter of the nationalist leaders who were jailed last autumn. This is a fundamental demand among many Catalans, who see them as political prisoners. But it may not be easy for the party to intervene in a judicial process without it looking like obvious political meddling.

In the longer term, Sanchez will need to think creatively about how to engage the Catalan government over Catalonia’s constitutional future within Spain. He will be treading a thin line, either side of which stand staunch opponents. On one side are the dyed-in-the-wool Catalan republicans, who harbour a seemingly irrepressible will to assert Catalonia’s right to decide its future. They will almost certainly demand a new, legally sanctioned referendum on self-determination. On the other side are the defenders of national unity, the PP and Ciudadanos, which may well soon take over the mantle of Spanish nationalism. They hold an equally firm view that any concession on the issue of self-determination is not permissible. That view is shared by an important portion of Spanish public, many of which vote for the PSOE. With a dwindling basis of electoral support, Sanchez can’t afford to alienate them. 
Federal reform

So Sanchez will have to remain committed to accommodating Catalonia within the framework of the constitution. What that eventually looks like will depend on what is made possible by the political coalition that supports reform. One potential strategy available to the PSOE is to (re)capitalise on its ties with the Catalan Socialist Party to reach out to moderate nationalist forces in the Catalan parliament. They could hash out an agreement over potential federal constitutional reform.

At the heart of any reform are two major longstanding demands that will have to be addressed. The Catalan government wants a new fiscal settlement and for Catalonia to be recognised as a distinct nation within Spain. These reforms can be achieved through a revision of Catalonia’s statute of autonomy and would need to be ratified in a referendum by Catalan voters.

National recognition would represent an acknowledgement of Catalans’ sovereignty and their “right to decide” their constitutional future – albeit within the parameters set by the Spanish constitution. A referendum on a new statute could also open the door to a democratic option on independence. However, at this point, that’s unlikely to happen. The main difficulty will be to ensure this new statute can’t be overturned by future judicial challenges that may water it down. 
A narrow chance for success

The deal brokered to support the socialist minority government is still fresh and there isn’t a huge amount of trust between the parties. There’s even some lingering hostility. So while there is a chance to solve the conflict with Catalonia, it’s narrow. The deal may yet break down.

But if parties on all sides are prepared to listen to divergent political views - and if Sanchez’s party can show creative spirit - there is hope that a political change in Spain could bring about a constructive dialogue. That, in time, could form the basis of a renewed relationship between Catalonia and Spain.

(Simon Toubeau is Assistant Professor, School of Politics and International Relations, University of Nottingham and Pere Almeda is Adjunct Lecturer, University of Barcelona)

(This article was originally published on <a href="https://theconversation.com/global">The Conversation</a>. Read the original <a href="https://theconversation.com/what-a-new-government-in-spain-means-for-catalonia-97724">article</a>)

(Disclaimer: The opinions expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of ZMCL)

To avert this collision, Sanchez must now make good on the promise he made to his Catalan parliamentary allies.

By Simon Toubeau and Pere Almeda* Spain’s new prime minister Pedro Sanchez rose to office against a backdrop of unprecedented drama. But now he could capitalise on the circumstances that landed him the top job to resolve the conflict with Catalonia. Sanchez successfully ousted his predecessor Mariano Rajoy by passing a motion of no confidence against the Partido Popular government. Seizing on the unique opportunity offered by the sentencing of several prominent PP officials in a long-running corruption trial, the opposition leader moved quickly. Sanchez needed at least 176 votes but his Socialist party (PSOE) only had 84 seats and Ciudadanos, a centrist-liberal formation with a strong Spanish nationalist rhetoric, wouldn’t endorse a new left-wing government. So, Sanchez needed to muster the support of all other parties in the Spanish parliament. This included the left-wing party Podemos, and several nationalist parties from the Basque country and Catalonia, such as Esquerra Republicana de Catalunya (ERC). At the same time, in Barcelona, Quim Torra – a Catalan nationalist hand-picked by the exiled former president Carles Puigdemont – was elected leader of a new Catalan government. This came after months of protracted negotiations that followed the extraordinary regional elections of December 2017. These were called by the Spanish central government immediately after it suspended the Catalan government for having symbolically issued a unilateral declaration of independence after the referendum held on October 1. But any hope from Madrid that these elections would quell nationalist fervour backfired. The three parties in favour of Catalan independence (JuntsPerCat, Esquerra Republicana de Catalunya, Candidatura d’Unitat Popular) returned to parliament with a majority (albeit a slim one), determined to pursue their cause, setting them on a collision course with Madrid. To avert this collision, Sanchez must now make good on the promise he made to his Catalan parliamentary allies to engage in a constructive dialogue with the Catalan government on how to resolve the ongoing conflict. The basis of a deal At the basis of the deal between these parties was the common goal of ousting Rajoy from power. The Catalan parties will offer stability for the Spanish government: support for the continuation of a minority PSOE administration until the end of the legislature in 2020 and support on the party’s economic and social policies. In exchange, the PSOE will need to make progress dealing with Spain’s unsolved national and territorial conflict since its transition to democracy in the late 1970s. In the short term, Sanchez must de-escalate the conflict by putting an end to the acrimonious relationship between Spain and Catalonia. That means being willing to listen and to talk. There is already a ring of cautious optimism on that front. Sanchez seems prepared to engage in dialogue – unlike Rajoy. Then Sanchez must restore the Catalan government’s authority, restoring devolved powers to the regional parliament. He will also have to deal with the trickier matter of the nationalist leaders who were jailed last autumn. This is a fundamental demand among many Catalans, who see them as political prisoners. But it may not be easy for the party to intervene in a judicial process without it looking like obvious political meddling. In the longer term, Sanchez will need to think creatively about how to engage the Catalan government over Catalonia’s constitutional future within Spain. He will be treading a thin line, either side of which stand staunch opponents. On one side are the dyed-in-the-wool Catalan republicans, who harbour a seemingly irrepressible will to assert Catalonia’s right to decide its future. They will almost certainly demand a new, legally sanctioned referendum on self-determination. On the other side are the defenders of national unity, the PP and Ciudadanos, which may well soon take over the mantle of Spanish nationalism. They hold an equally firm view that any concession on the issue of self-determination is not permissible. That view is shared by an important portion of Spanish public, many of which vote for the PSOE. With a dwindling basis of electoral support, Sanchez can’t afford to alienate them. Federal reform So Sanchez will have to remain committed to accommodating Catalonia within the framework of the constitution. What that eventually looks like will depend on what is made possible by the political coalition that supports reform. One potential strategy available to the PSOE is to (re)capitalise on its ties with the Catalan Socialist Party to reach out to moderate nationalist forces in the Catalan parliament. They could hash out an agreement over potential federal constitutional reform. At the heart of any reform are two major longstanding demands that will have to be addressed. The Catalan government wants a new fiscal settlement and for Catalonia to be recognised as a distinct nation within Spain. These reforms can be achieved through a revision of Catalonia’s statute of autonomy and would need to be ratified in a referendum by Catalan voters. National recognition would represent an acknowledgement of Catalans’ sovereignty and their “right to decide” their constitutional future – albeit within the parameters set by the Spanish constitution. A referendum on a new statute could also open the door to a democratic option on independence. However, at this point, that’s unlikely to happen. The main difficulty will be to ensure this new statute can’t be overturned by future judicial challenges that may water it down. A narrow chance for success The deal brokered to support the socialist minority government is still fresh and there isn’t a huge amount of trust between the parties. There’s even some lingering hostility. So while there is a chance to solve the conflict with Catalonia, it’s narrow. The deal may yet break down. But if parties on all sides are prepared to listen to divergent political views - and if Sanchez’s party can show creative spirit - there is hope that a political change in Spain could bring about a constructive dialogue. That, in time, could form the basis of a renewed relationship between Catalonia and Spain. (Simon Toubeau is Assistant Professor, School of Politics and International Relations, University of Nottingham and Pere Almeda is Adjunct Lecturer, University of Barcelona) (This article was originally published on The Conversation. Read the original article) (Disclaimer: The opinions expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of ZMCL)

Opinion: What a new government in Spain means for Catalonia

Spain goalkeeper David de Gea's error led to his side drawing 1-1 at home to Switzerland in a World Cup warm-up friendly match on Sunday.

Though the hosts dominated the game in starting but failed to make their superior possession count.

Real Sociedad Alvaro Odriozola scored his first international goal with an impressive volley to give the 2010 World Cup winners the lead in the 29th minute.

Switzerland full back Ricardo Rodriguez tucked into an empty net to level in the 62nd after an uncharacteristically sloppy piece of goalkeeping from De Gea, who failed to hold a weak shot from Stephan Lichtsteiner.

Spain travel to their World Cup base in Krasnodar next week and will play their final warm-up game in the Russian city against Tunisia on Saturday, before meeting European champions Portugal in a mouth-watering Group B opener in Sochi on June 15.

Switzerland host Japan on Friday before meeting five-times winners Brazil in their first World Cup Group E game on June 17 in Rostov.

Though the hosts dominated the game in starting but failed to make their superior possession count.

Spain goalkeeper David de Gea's error led to his side drawing 1-1 at home to Switzerland in a World Cup warm-up friendly match on Sunday. Though the hosts dominated the game in starting but failed to make their superior possession count. Real Sociedad Alvaro Odriozola scored his first international goal with an impressive volley to give the 2010 World Cup winners the lead in the 29th minute. Switzerland full back Ricardo Rodriguez tucked into an empty net to level in the 62nd after an uncharacteristically sloppy piece of goalkeeping from De Gea, who failed to hold a weak shot from Stephan Lichtsteiner. Spain travel to their World Cup base in Krasnodar next week and will play their final warm-up game in the Russian city against Tunisia on Saturday, before meeting European champions Portugal in a mouth-watering Group B opener in Sochi on June 15. Switzerland host Japan on Friday before meeting five-times winners Brazil in their first World Cup Group E game on June 17 in Rostov.

Spain held by Switzerland after De Gea error in World Cup friendlies

A close aide to new Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez on Monday rejected any prospect of early elections, despite his Socialist party being well short of a majority in parliament.

Sanchez, whose party holds just 84 of 350 seats, was propelled to head of government on Friday after convincing an unlikely alliance of anti-austerity and nationalist parties to oust the conservatives over a corruption scandal.

"It's clearly unusual to govern with 84 lawmakers but the political situation remains very fragmented and everything suggests a new election wouldn't fix that," Jose Luis Abalos, often described as Sanchez's right-hand man, told COPE radio.

Socialist Pedro Sanchez's arrival to power in Spain has brought a glimmer of hope that icy ties will thaw between Madrid and Catalan separatists, who are wary of the new leader but happy that veteran conservative Mariano Rajoy has gone.

It was Catalan separatist lawmakers -- along with Basque nationalists -- who swung the balance in favour of a no-confidence vote brought Friday against Rajoy due to corruption woes afflicting his party.

As opposition leader, 46-year-old economist Sanchez was deeply critical of Catalonia's secession bid last October.

He backed Rajoy's imposition of direct rule on the region after separatist leaders declared Catalan independence.

But he softened his tone as Catalan separatist lawmakers in the national parliament backed his no-confidence motion. He has said he wants to "build bridges" with the new regional separatist government.

Sanchez, whose party holds just 84 of 350 seats, was propelled to head of government on Friday after convincing an unlikely alliance of anti-austerity and nationalist parties to oust the conservatives over a corruption scandal

A close aide to new Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez on Monday rejected any prospect of early elections, despite his Socialist party being well short of a majority in parliament. Sanchez, whose party holds just 84 of 350 seats, was propelled to head of government on Friday after convincing an unlikely alliance of anti-austerity and nationalist parties to oust the conservatives over a corruption scandal. "It's clearly unusual to govern with 84 lawmakers but the political situation remains very fragmented and everything suggests a new election wouldn't fix that," Jose Luis Abalos, often described as Sanchez's right-hand man, told COPE radio. Socialist Pedro Sanchez's arrival to power in Spain has brought a glimmer of hope that icy ties will thaw between Madrid and Catalan separatists, who are wary of the new leader but happy that veteran conservative Mariano Rajoy has gone. It was Catalan separatist lawmakers -- along with Basque nationalists -- who swung the balance in favour of a no-confidence vote brought Friday against Rajoy due to corruption woes afflicting his party. As opposition leader, 46-year-old economist Sanchez was deeply critical of Catalonia's secession bid last October. He backed Rajoy's imposition of direct rule on the region after separatist leaders declared Catalan independence. But he softened his tone as Catalan separatist lawmakers in the national parliament backed his no-confidence motion. He has said he wants to "build bridges" with the new regional separatist government.

No early elections in Spain, aide to new PM says

Socialist Pedro Sanchez was sworn in on Saturday as Spain's seventh head of government since its return to democracy in the late 1970s, taking over from veteran conservative Mariano Rajoy who was <a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/parliament-ousts-spain-pm-replaced-by-socialist-leader-141570">ousted</a> on Friday over a corruption scandal.

One of Sanchez' main challenges will be to try and find a way out of the crisis in the wealthy Catalonia region, where a new nationalist government was due to be sworn in on Saturday.

Sanchez was sworn in as Spanish prime minister before King Felipe, his right hand on the constitution -- the first time that was not done with the Bible or a crucifix.

Sanchez became prime minister with only 84 seats for his Socialist Party in the 350-member assembly thanks to support from the hard-left Podemos and smaller nationalist parties.

He said he intends to steer the country through to mid-2020 when the parliamentary term ends.

But his majority - the smallest for a Spanish government since the return to democracy following Francisco Franco's death in 1975, makes it unclear how long his administration can last.

Sanchez's predecessor the veteran conservative Mariano Rajoy was ousted on Friday over a corruption scandal

Socialist Pedro Sanchez was sworn in on Saturday as Spain's seventh head of government since its return to democracy in the late 1970s, taking over from veteran conservative Mariano Rajoy who was ousted on Friday over a corruption scandal. One of Sanchez' main challenges will be to try and find a way out of the crisis in the wealthy Catalonia region, where a new nationalist government was due to be sworn in on Saturday. Sanchez was sworn in as Spanish prime minister before King Felipe, his right hand on the constitution -- the first time that was not done with the Bible or a crucifix. Sanchez became prime minister with only 84 seats for his Socialist Party in the 350-member assembly thanks to support from the hard-left Podemos and smaller nationalist parties. He said he intends to steer the country through to mid-2020 when the parliamentary term ends. But his majority - the smallest for a Spanish government since the return to democracy following Francisco Franco's death in 1975, makes it unclear how long his administration can last.

Pedro Sanchez sworn in as new Spanish Prime Minister

"This Is Us" star Sterling K Brown is the latest actor to join the cast of Blake Lively-starrer "The Rhythm Section" as it resumes shooting.

The production on the spy-thriller was halted in January after Lively, 30, suffered an injury on her hand during shooting for an action sequence in Dublin.

Lively has fully recovered from the injury and production on the film is set to resume next month in Spain, according to one of the reporters.

The details of the character that Brown, 42, will be playing are being kept under wraps.

"The Handmaids Tale" director Reed Morano is directing the film, which also stars Jude Law.

The film is an adaptation of British author Mark Burnells "Stephanie Patrick" novels and follows the story of a woman (Lively) who seeks to uncover the truth behind a plane crash that killed her family.&nbsp;

Lively has fully recovered from the injury and production on the film is set to resume next month in Spain

"This Is Us" star Sterling K Brown is the latest actor to join the cast of Blake Lively-starrer "The Rhythm Section" as it resumes shooting. The production on the spy-thriller was halted in January after Lively, 30, suffered an injury on her hand during shooting for an action sequence in Dublin. Lively has fully recovered from the injury and production on the film is set to resume next month in Spain, according to one of the reporters. The details of the character that Brown, 42, will be playing are being kept under wraps. "The Handmaids Tale" director Reed Morano is directing the film, which also stars Jude Law. The film is an adaptation of British author Mark Burnells "Stephanie Patrick" novels and follows the story of a woman (Lively) who seeks to uncover the truth behind a plane crash that killed her family.

Sterling K Brown joins Blake Lively's 'Rhythm Section'

<a href="http://wionews.com/india-news/farmers-begin-10-day-nationwide-strike-say-will-not-sell-produce-in-cities-141609">Farmers begin </a><a href="http://wionews.com/india-news/farmers-begin-10-day-nationwide-strike-say-will-not-sell-produce-in-cities-141609">10-day</a><a href="http://wionews.com/india-news/farmers-begin-10-day-nationwide-strike-say-will-not-sell-produce-in-cities-141609"> nationwide strike, say will not sell </a><a href="http://wionews.com/india-news/farmers-begin-10-day-nationwide-strike-say-will-not-sell-produce-in-cities-141609">produce</a><a href="http://wionews.com/india-news/farmers-begin-10-day-nationwide-strike-say-will-not-sell-produce-in-cities-141609"> in cities</a>

Farmers across the country said Friday that they had begun a 10-day nationwide strike. The farmers said they would not sell their produce in cities.&nbsp;In Punjab and Maharashtra, farmers were seen dumping vegetables, fruit, and milk on the streets.&nbsp;

<a href="http://wionews.com/india-news/cbi-summons-p-chidambaram-to-appear-on-june-6-in-inx-media-case--141621">CBI summons P Chidambaram to appear on June 6 in INX Media case</a>

Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) has summoned P Chidambaram to appear on June 6 in connection with INX Media case, reported&nbsp;news agency ANI.

<a href="http://wionews.com/india-news/entertainment-ipl-betting-scam-actor-arbaaz-khan-summoned-by-thane-police-141575">IPL betting scam: Actor Arbaaz Khan summoned by Thane Police</a>

Bollywood actor-filmmaker Arbaaz Khan has been summoned by Thane police in Indian Premier League betting scam. He is said to appear tomorrow.&nbsp;

<a href="http://wionews.com/world/parliament-ousts-spain-pm-replaced-by-socialist-leader-141570">Parliament ousts Spain PM, replaced by Socialist leader</a>

Spain's parliament on Friday ousted Prime Minister Mariano Rajoy in a no-confidence vote sparked by fury over his party's corruption woes, with his Socialist arch-rival Pedro Sanchez automatically taking over.&nbsp;

<a href="http://wionews.com/south-asia/pak-court-allows-ex-foreign-minister-khawaja-asif-to-contest-elections-141559">Pak court allows ex-foreign minister Khawaja Asif to contest elections</a>

Former Pakistani foreign minister Khawaja Asif will be allowed to contest a July 25 general election after the Supreme Court on Friday overturned his disqualification from politics, in a boost to the ruling Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) party.

&nbsp;

&nbsp;

Farmers begin 10-day nationwide strike, say will not sell produce in cities Farmers across the country said Friday that they had begun a 10-day nationwide strike. The farmers said they would not sell their produce in cities. In Punjab and Maharashtra, farmers were seen dumping vegetables, fruit, and milk on the streets. CBI summons P Chidambaram to appear on June 6 in INX Media case Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) has summoned P Chidambaram to appear on June 6 in connection with INX Media case, reported news agency ANI. IPL betting scam: Actor Arbaaz Khan summoned by Thane Police Bollywood actor-filmmaker Arbaaz Khan has been summoned by Thane police in Indian Premier League betting scam. He is said to appear tomorrow. Parliament ousts Spain PM, replaced by Socialist leader Spain's parliament on Friday ousted Prime Minister Mariano Rajoy in a no-confidence vote sparked by fury over his party's corruption woes, with his Socialist arch-rival Pedro Sanchez automatically taking over. Pak court allows ex-foreign minister Khawaja Asif to contest elections Former Pakistani foreign minister Khawaja Asif will be allowed to contest a July 25 general election after the Supreme Court on Friday overturned his disqualification from politics, in a boost to the ruling Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) party.

News brief:  Big stories of the day

<a href="http://wionews.com/india-news/farmers-begin-10-day-nationwide-strike-say-will-not-sell-produce-in-cities-141609">Farmers begin </a><a href="http://wionews.com/india-news/farmers-begin-10-day-nationwide-strike-say-will-not-sell-produce-in-cities-141609">10-day</a><a href="http://wionews.com/india-news/farmers-begin-10-day-nationwide-strike-say-will-not-sell-produce-in-cities-141609"> nationwide strike, say will not sell </a><a href="http://wionews.com/india-news/farmers-begin-10-day-nationwide-strike-say-will-not-sell-produce-in-cities-141609">produce</a><a href="http://wionews.com/india-news/farmers-begin-10-day-nationwide-strike-say-will-not-sell-produce-in-cities-141609"> in cities</a>

Farmers across the country said Friday that they had begun a 10-day nationwide strike. The farmers said they would not sell their produce in cities.&nbspIn Punjab and Maharashtra, farmers were seen dumping vegetables, fruit, and milk on the streets.&nbsp

<a href="http://wionews.com/india-news/cbi-summons-p-chidambaram-to-appear-on-june-6-in-inx-media-case--141621">CBI summons P Chidambaram to appear on June 6 in INX Media case</a>

Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) has summoned P Chidambaram to appear on June 6 in connection with INX Media case, reported&nbspnews agency ANI.

<a href="http://wionews.com/india-news/entertainment-ipl-betting-scam-actor-arbaaz-khan-summoned-by-thane-police-141575">IPL betting scam: Actor Arbaaz Khan summoned by Thane Police</a>

Bollywood actor-filmmaker Arbaaz Khan has been summoned by Thane police in Indian Premier League betting scam. He is said to appear tomorrow.&nbsp

<a href="http://wionews.com/world/parliament-ousts-spain-pm-replaced-by-socialist-leader-141570">Parliament ousts Spain PM, replaced by Socialist leader</a>

Spain's parliament on Friday ousted Prime Minister Mariano Rajoy in a no-confidence vote sparked by fury over his party's corruption woes, with his Socialist arch-rival Pedro Sanchez automatically taking over.&nbsp

<a href="http://wionews.com/south-asia/pak-court-allows-ex-foreign-minister-khawaja-asif-to-contest-elections-141559">Pak court allows ex-foreign minister Khawaja Asif to contest elections</a>

Former Pakistani foreign minister Khawaja Asif will be allowed to contest a July 25 general election after the Supreme Court on Friday overturned his disqualification from politics, in a boost to the ruling Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) party.

&nbsp

&nbsp

Farmers begin 10-day nationwide strike, say will not sell produce in cities Farmers across the country said Friday that they had begun a 10-day nationwide strike. The farmers said they would not sell their produce in cities.&nbspIn Punjab and Maharashtra, farmers were seen dumping vegetables, fruit, and milk on the streets. CBI summons P Chidambaram to appear on June 6 in INX Media case Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) has summoned P Chidambaram to appear on June 6 in connection with INX Media case, reported&nbspnews agency ANI. IPL betting scam: Actor Arbaaz Khan summoned by Thane Police Bollywood actor-filmmaker Arbaaz Khan has been summoned by Thane police in Indian Premier League betting scam. He is said to appear tomorrow. Parliament ousts Spain PM, replaced by Socialist leader Spain's parliament on Friday ousted Prime Minister Mariano Rajoy in a no-confidence vote sparked by fury over his party's corruption woes, with his Socialist arch-rival Pedro Sanchez automatically taking over. Pak court allows ex-foreign minister Khawaja Asif to contest elections Former Pakistani foreign minister Khawaja Asif will be allowed to contest a July 25 general election after the Supreme Court on Friday overturned his disqualification from politics, in a boost to the ruling Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) party.

Spain's parliament on Friday ousted Prime Minister Mariano Rajoy in a no-confidence vote sparked by fury over his party's corruption woes, with his Socialist arch-rival Pedro Sanchez automatically taking over.&nbsp;

An absolute majority of 180 lawmakers voted for the motion to loud applause and shouts of "Yes we can," converting Rajoy into the first prime minister to be ousted by such a vote since Spain transitioned to democracy in 1977.

The bespectacled 63-year-old leader got up and shook hands with Sanchez before leaving the lower house without a word.

Rajoy had already admitted defeat minutes before the vote, knowing that an absolute majority of lawmakers as diverse as Catalan separatists and Basque nationalists had pledged their support for the no-confidence motion.

"It's been an honour -- there is none bigger -- to have been Spain's prime minister," he told parliament, with lawmakers from his conservative Popular Party (PP) giving him a standing ovation.

Sanchez, Spain's 46-year-old opposition leader, had instigated the no-confidence motion last week after a court revealed details of a vast system of bribes given to former PP officials in exchange for lucrative public contracts between 1999-2005.

After years of anger over the scandals tainting the PP, corruption finally got the better of the party and sealed Rajoy's downfall.

"Today we are signing a new page in the history of democracy in our country," Sanchez told parliament prior to the vote.

But PP lawmaker Rafael Hernando told him he would be entering the prime minister's office "through the back door" after failing to win 2015 and 2016 general elections.

"For the first time we may get a prime minister who didn't win elections," he retorted.&nbsp;

Tough ride for Sanchez 
In order to push through the no-confidence motion, the Socialists, who hold just 84 of the parliament's 350 seats, had to cosy up to parties they had previously clashed with, like Catalan separatists and the anti-establishment Podemos.

As such, even if he has pledged to govern long enough to restore "institutional stability" before calling early elections, Sanchez's new government will likely be highly unstable.

Podemos has already asked to be part of his new government.

Aitor Esteban of the Basque PNV nationalist party, whose support proved decisive for the motion's success, on Thursday warned that such a minority government would be "weak and difficult, complicated."

"This is going to be a constant bing, bang, boom."

A scandal too far 
Although Rajoy survived a similar no-confidence vote last year, Friday's ballot draws a line under his rollercoaster time in office which began in 2011 and saw him implementing drastic spending cuts before winning re-election in 2015 and 2016.&nbsp;

Despite winning the last two votes, he lacked the absolute majority of his first term.

He put Spain back onto the path of growth after a devastating economic crisis although unemployment remains sky-high, jobs precarious and many complain inequalities have risen.

But his term in office was also marred by a series of corruption scandals involving former PP members.

Last week the National Court, which deals with major criminal cases, sentenced 29 people with links to the PP, including a former treasurer, to a total of 351 years in jail.&nbsp;

It also ordered the party to pay back 245,000 euros ($290,000) received from the scheme to help finance election campaigns.

'What moral authority'? 
Rajoy became Spain's first sitting prime minister to give evidence at trial when he was called as a witness last year.

In its ruling, the court said the credibility of Rajoy's testimony "should be questioned".

During Thursday's pre-vote debate, Rajoy said the corruption case "does not concern members of the government" and repeated the party's argument that only a tiny number of its politicians have been tainted by corruption.

He also hit back by listing the many graft cases involving the Socialists over the years.

"Are you Mother Teresa of Calcutta? With what moral authority do you speak?" he told Sanchez.

The no-confidence vote launched by Rajoy's rival Socialist party chief Pedro Sanchez proved the nail in the coffin of a man variously described as an uncharismatic and rigid do-nothing or a stellar strategist with strong political acumen

Spain's parliament on Friday ousted Prime Minister Mariano Rajoy in a no-confidence vote sparked by fury over his party's corruption woes, with his Socialist arch-rival Pedro Sanchez automatically taking over. An absolute majority of 180 lawmakers voted for the motion to loud applause and shouts of "Yes we can," converting Rajoy into the first prime minister to be ousted by such a vote since Spain transitioned to democracy in 1977. The bespectacled 63-year-old leader got up and shook hands with Sanchez before leaving the lower house without a word. Rajoy had already admitted defeat minutes before the vote, knowing that an absolute majority of lawmakers as diverse as Catalan separatists and Basque nationalists had pledged their support for the no-confidence motion. "It's been an honour -- there is none bigger -- to have been Spain's prime minister," he told parliament, with lawmakers from his conservative Popular Party (PP) giving him a standing ovation. Sanchez, Spain's 46-year-old opposition leader, had instigated the no-confidence motion last week after a court revealed details of a vast system of bribes given to former PP officials in exchange for lucrative public contracts between 1999-2005. After years of anger over the scandals tainting the PP, corruption finally got the better of the party and sealed Rajoy's downfall. "Today we are signing a new page in the history of democracy in our country," Sanchez told parliament prior to the vote. But PP lawmaker Rafael Hernando told him he would be entering the prime minister's office "through the back door" after failing to win 2015 and 2016 general elections. "For the first time we may get a prime minister who didn't win elections," he retorted. Tough ride for Sanchez In order to push through the no-confidence motion, the Socialists, who hold just 84 of the parliament's 350 seats, had to cosy up to parties they had previously clashed with, like Catalan separatists and the anti-establishment Podemos. As such, even if he has pledged to govern long enough to restore "institutional stability" before calling early elections, Sanchez's new government will likely be highly unstable. Podemos has already asked to be part of his new government. Aitor Esteban of the Basque PNV nationalist party, whose support proved decisive for the motion's success, on Thursday warned that such a minority government would be "weak and difficult, complicated." "This is going to be a constant bing, bang, boom." A scandal too far Although Rajoy survived a similar no-confidence vote last year, Friday's ballot draws a line under his rollercoaster time in office which began in 2011 and saw him implementing drastic spending cuts before winning re-election in 2015 and 2016. Despite winning the last two votes, he lacked the absolute majority of his first term. He put Spain back onto the path of growth after a devastating economic crisis although unemployment remains sky-high, jobs precarious and many complain inequalities have risen. But his term in office was also marred by a series of corruption scandals involving former PP members. Last week the National Court, which deals with major criminal cases, sentenced 29 people with links to the PP, including a former treasurer, to a total of 351 years in jail. It also ordered the party to pay back 245,000 euros ($290,000) received from the scheme to help finance election campaigns. 'What moral authority'? Rajoy became Spain's first sitting prime minister to give evidence at trial when he was called as a witness last year. In its ruling, the court said the credibility of Rajoy's testimony "should be questioned". During Thursday's pre-vote debate, Rajoy said the corruption case "does not concern members of the government" and repeated the party's argument that only a tiny number of its politicians have been tainted by corruption. He also hit back by listing the many graft cases involving the Socialists over the years. "Are you Mother Teresa of Calcutta? With what moral authority do you speak?" he told Sanchez.

Parliament ousts Spain PM, replaced by Socialist leader

Eighth seed Petra Kvitova eased into the third round with a 6-0, 6-4 victory over Spain's Lara Arruabarrena on Court One. The two-time Wimbledon champion has now won 13 consecutive matches on clay after claiming titles in Prague and Madrid and will face Estonia's 25th seed Anett Kontaveit for a place in the last 16. Czech Kvitova has not reached the quarter-finals at Roland Garros since a run to the last four in 2012. The 28-year-old raced through the opening set in only 24 minutes, and although she was pegged back after an early break in the second, a booming forehand sealed victory with a third straight game.

Ukrainian fourth seed Elina Svitolina reached the last 32 for the fourth consecutive year by brushing aside Viktoria Kuzmova in straight sets.

The 23-year-old, who arrived in Paris having won her second straight Italian Open title, saw off her Slovakian opponent 6-3, 6-4.

Svitolina, a two-time quarter-finalist at Roland Garros, will take on Romanian 31st seed Mihaela Buzarnescu in the last 32.

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en">
Lucky #️⃣1️⃣3️⃣<a href="https://twitter.com/Petra_Kvitova?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@Petra_Kvitova</a> notches her 13th consecutive match win, blasting past Arruabarrena 6-0 6-4 to book her spot in the 3R.<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/RG18?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#RG18</a> <a href="https://t.co/fAMEeK0IWY">pic.twitter.com/fAMEeK0IWY</a>
— Roland-Garros (@rolandgarros) <a href="https://twitter.com/rolandgarros/status/1001769505016737793?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 30, 2018</a></blockquote>
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Elsewhere, charismatic Japanese 21st seed Naomi Osaka came through a tight match with Kazakhstan's Zarina Diyas 6-4, 7-5.

The 20-year-old Osaka is seeded for the first time at a major tournament, having lifted the prestigious Indian Wells title earlier this year before beating Serena Williams in Miami the following week.

Williams, who made her Grand Slam return with a singles win on Tuesday, is back in action in the doubles with sister Venus later on Wednesday.

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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en">
That winning moment. ?<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/RG18?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#RG18</a> <a href="https://t.co/NXFQqiKiBo">pic.twitter.com/NXFQqiKiBo</a>
— Roland-Garros (@rolandgarros) <a href="https://twitter.com/rolandgarros/status/1001775517148868609?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 30, 2018</a></blockquote>
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Eighth seed Petra Kvitova eased into the third round with a 6-0, 6-4 victory over Spain's Lara Arruabarrena on Court One

Eighth seed Petra Kvitova eased into the third round with a 6-0, 6-4 victory over Spain's Lara Arruabarrena on Court One. The two-time Wimbledon champion has now won 13 consecutive matches on clay after claiming titles in Prague and Madrid and will face Estonia's 25th seed Anett Kontaveit for a place in the last 16. Czech Kvitova has not reached the quarter-finals at Roland Garros since a run to the last four in 2012. The 28-year-old raced through the opening set in only 24 minutes, and although she was pegged back after an early break in the second, a booming forehand sealed victory with a third straight game. Ukrainian fourth seed Elina Svitolina reached the last 32 for the fourth consecutive year by brushing aside Viktoria Kuzmova in straight sets. The 23-year-old, who arrived in Paris having won her second straight Italian Open title, saw off her Slovakian opponent 6-3, 6-4. Svitolina, a two-time quarter-finalist at Roland Garros, will take on Romanian 31st seed Mihaela Buzarnescu in the last 32. Lucky #️⃣1️⃣3️⃣@Petra_Kvitova notches her 13th consecutive match win, blasting past Arruabarrena 6-0 6-4 to book her spot in the 3R.#RG18 pic.twitter.com/fAMEeK0IWY — Roland-Garros (@rolandgarros) May 30, 2018 × Elsewhere, charismatic Japanese 21st seed Naomi Osaka came through a tight match with Kazakhstan's Zarina Diyas 6-4, 7-5. The 20-year-old Osaka is seeded for the first time at a major tournament, having lifted the prestigious Indian Wells title earlier this year before beating Serena Williams in Miami the following week. Williams, who made her Grand Slam return with a singles win on Tuesday, is back in action in the doubles with sister Venus later on Wednesday. That winning moment. ?#RG18 pic.twitter.com/NXFQqiKiBo — Roland-Garros (@rolandgarros) May 30, 2018 ×

French Open: Petra Kvitova enters 3rd round after defeating Lara Arruabarrena

Liverpool and Egypt star Mohamed Salah will travel to Spain on Tuesday for treatment on the injured shoulder that wrecked his Champions League final bid and threatens his World Cup participation.

Egypt's football federation (EFA) said Salah's entourage had chosen Spain for a rehabilitation programme that Egyptians will hope helps Salah return in time for next month's World Cup in Russia.

According to an EFA statement, Salah will be accompanied by Liverpool's medical staff "for the duration of the treatment period", having "started his rehabilitation on Sunday".

Salah, who hit a stunning 44 goals for Liverpool last season in all competitions, was forced out the Champions League final in tears on Saturday clutching his left shoulder after being wrestled to the ground by Real Madrid captain Sergio Ramos.

It was feared the injury had ruled Salah out of the June 14-July 15 World Cup, but on Sunday the Reds' striker said he was "confident" he would be back in time.

"It was a very tough night, but I'm a fighter. Despite the odds, I'm confident that I'll be in Russia to make you all proud," Salah wrote on his official Twitter account on Sunday.

Egyptian media reported Salah wouldn't kick a ball in anger for three weeks.

Egyptian federation officials meanwhile are set to pay Salah -- described by the EFA as "the symbol of Egypt" -- a morale-boosting visit on Wednesday.

Egypt, who were drawn in Group A, open their World Cup campaign against Uruguay on June 15, before facing hosts Russia and Saudi Arabia.

The Pharaohs play a first warm-up match, against Colombia, in Bergamo, Italy on June 1.

It was feared that the injury had ruled Salah out of the June 14-July 15 World Cup

Liverpool and Egypt star Mohamed Salah will travel to Spain on Tuesday for treatment on the injured shoulder that wrecked his Champions League final bid and threatens his World Cup participation. Egypt's football federation (EFA) said Salah's entourage had chosen Spain for a rehabilitation programme that Egyptians will hope helps Salah return in time for next month's World Cup in Russia. According to an EFA statement, Salah will be accompanied by Liverpool's medical staff "for the duration of the treatment period", having "started his rehabilitation on Sunday". Salah, who hit a stunning 44 goals for Liverpool last season in all competitions, was forced out the Champions League final in tears on Saturday clutching his left shoulder after being wrestled to the ground by Real Madrid captain Sergio Ramos. It was feared the injury had ruled Salah out of the June 14-July 15 World Cup, but on Sunday the Reds' striker said he was "confident" he would be back in time. "It was a very tough night, but I'm a fighter. Despite the odds, I'm confident that I'll be in Russia to make you all proud," Salah wrote on his official Twitter account on Sunday. Egyptian media reported Salah wouldn't kick a ball in anger for three weeks. Egyptian federation officials meanwhile are set to pay Salah -- described by the EFA as "the symbol of Egypt" -- a morale-boosting visit on Wednesday. Egypt, who were drawn in Group A, open their World Cup campaign against Uruguay on June 15, before facing hosts Russia and Saudi Arabia. The Pharaohs play a first warm-up match, against Colombia, in Bergamo, Italy on June 1.

Mohamed Salah to travel to Spain for treatment: Egypt football federation

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