Spain will practise with VAR before WC: Lopetegui

Spain players are doing their homework on Video Assistant Referees (VAR) and will know the system inside-out at the World Cup, according to the national team coach Julen Lopetegui.

This summer's football showpiece in Russia will be the first of its kind to use video technology, with referees able to consult on decisions relating to goals, penalties, red cards and cases of mistaken identity.

VAR was introduced in the top divisions in Germany and Italy this term, as well as selected matches in England's domestic cups, but Spanish football has been slower on the uptake.

La Liga will bring in VAR from the start of next season, along with goal-line technology.

Criticism of VAR has centred on the delays imposed during matches, as well as confusion created among both players and fans.

But Lopetegui wants his team to be ready. "I think we have to prepare for VAR, you have to prepare yourself because I think there are going to be some moments at this World Cup that are different from usual," Lopetegui said.

"You have to prepare for the stops and delays, the restarts after the stops. You have to understand what the rules are and what the priorities of the referees are so that you are fully atuned to what's going on.

"We must prepare. It's a novelty we are not used to in Spain, there is no such thing as VAR here, so we have to prepare for the World Cup where VAR will exist."

Asked if anything less than the semifinals would represent failure, Lopetegui said: "This kind of analysis is not made by professionals.

"We will try to arrive very balanced, mentally prepared and with the firm conviction that we want to challenge."

After their triple triumph in 2008, 2010 and 2012, Spain are still smarting from early exits at the 2014 World Cup and 2016 European Championships.

Lopetegui has been tasked with renewal, blending the older generation of Andres Iniesta, Sergio Busquets, Gerard Pique and David Silva with new blood like Marco Asensio, Thiago Alcantara, Isco and David de Gea.

"We have a mix of different generations and we will try to make this mixture work," Lopetegui said.

"I am in love with my players, I love my players but we are aware that the only one that will help us win games is the team."

Portugal, the reigning European champions, are the stand-out rivals in Group B and Spain's opening opponents on June 15. It means Cristiano Ronaldo is likely to be pitted against Real Madrid team-mates Sergio Ramos and Dani Carvajal in defence.

"Cristiano does not play alone, he has a great team behind him," said Lopetegui, who knows Portugal after his two years managing Porto. "Portugal have a mix of players and talent, which is what Portuguese players and coaches are often about. It's like playground football."