The Royal Spanish Football Federation announced on the eve of the finals that Lopetegui had been sacked, just 24 hours after it was confirmed he would take over at Real Madrid at the  end of the tournament.

Hierro, a former captain of La Roja whose international career spanned from 1989 to 2002, has assumed the reins for the World Cup, where Spain must first tackle a Group B consisting of Portugal, Iran and Morocco.

The retired defender insists that rather than rue its chaotic preparations, the 2010 winner must move on swiftly, with Cristiano Ronaldo and the reigning European champion looming as its opening test in Sochi.

"The players are excited, they want this challenge, it's a challenge for everyone, we do not have time to regret," Hierro said. "We have to be positive, opinions are not valid here, we have to turn the page, be positive, think about the players in the squad and what we represent.

"We came to fight for the World Cup, the team is excited, we have a great opportunity and that must be the focus.

"I know that they are going to give up their soul and give 100 per cent in a World Cup ... we all know what this means. The response I've received is fantastic, it's a united group, they know their goals.

"We have the obligation to think that we have a great opportunity, we need the work and dedication of the whole world ... we are going to try with all our strength."

Hierro, a five-time LaLiga winner as well a European champion on three occasions with Madrid, offered his best wishes to Lopetegui.

"My highest admiration for Julen Lopetegui. I wish you the best of luck," he said. "When the president told me about the possibility, there were two or three alternatives: one was to say no, the other was to leave, the third was to be here to take a step forward for the federation and for Spanish football."