Spain put in final preparations for Iran clash as Fernando Hierro confirms he won't drop David de Gea for mistake

  • Spain players train at the Kazan Stadium ahead of Wednesday's Group B clash
  • David de Gea will start despite making a howler of an error against Portugal
  • He was training alongside his team-mates ahead of their second group game 

Spain and David de Gea are both ready to get over their 'uncomfortable' World Cup kick-off when they face Iran on Wednesday.

The team was in disarray when coach Julen Lopetegui was sacked on the eve of the tournament. 

And when De Gea let Cristiano Ronaldo's shot slip through his fingers on Friday things so nearly went from bad to worse.

David de Gea dives to save the ball as Spain prepare for their next World Cup game with Iran

David de Gea dives to save the ball as Spain prepare for their next World Cup game with Iran

The Manchester United goalkeeper clutches the ball into his chest as training continues

The Manchester United goalkeeper clutches the ball into his chest as training continues

Spain's head coach Fernando Hierro confirmed De Gea (centre) will start against Iran

Spain's head coach Fernando Hierro confirmed De Gea (centre) will start against Iran

But new coach Fernando Hierro said: 'De Gea will play against Iran. We have full confidence in him. As we have been saying for a long time, he is one of the best three keepers in the world.'


And Andres Iniesta echoed the upbeat sentiments saying of Lopetegui's sacking: 'It is something that we want to leave behind.

'It was not comfortable for anyone but now we are focussed on what we have in front of us. It was not easy the other day against Portugal but the team showed once more that it knows what it is doing. We have to be on top of things again. 

'A victory will leave us looking good in the group.' 

Spain players Sergio Ramos (L), Koke (C) and Isco during a training session at the Kazan Arena

Spain players Sergio Ramos (L), Koke (C) and Isco during a training session at the Kazan Arena

Spain's midfielder Andres Iniesta controls the ball as Spain training continues on Tuesday

Spain's midfielder Andres Iniesta controls the ball as Spain training continues on Tuesday

Spain players David Silva (left) and Iniesta during a training session at the Kazan Arena

Spain players David Silva (left) and Iniesta during a training session at the Kazan Arena

Striker Diego Costa (left) shares a joke with Arsenal defender Nacho Monreal during training

Striker Diego Costa (left) shares a joke with Arsenal defender Nacho Monreal during training

The Spain players go for a light job around the pitch ahead of Wednesday's group match

The Spain players go for a light job around the pitch ahead of Wednesday's group match

Coach Hierro said: 'I have known Carlos [Queiroz] for a long time. He is a good man to talk to be about football. He has done well in his seven years with Iran and before at Manchester United and Real Madrid.

'They are solid and they don't let in many goals. They are also physically very strong. We saw that against Morocco. They are very clear about the way they play.' 

Hierro confirmed that Dani Carvajal is fit for selection, saying: 'He has been training with the team for a week now. He is available.'

Iniesta added: 'If this group is characterised by anything it is our unity. We have been together for a long time. 

'We have total faith in each other and we are all going in the same direction. We just need to keep going. It was an uncomfortable moment [at the start] but it is now just about the football.'

An overview of Spain training at the Kazan Arena on Tuesday evening ahead of the Iran clash

An overview of Spain training at the Kazan Arena on Tuesday evening ahead of the Iran clash

The Spain players pass the ball around in a tight circle as part of their latest training session

The Spain players pass the ball around in a tight circle as part of their latest training session

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