Briefs | Spain appoints Luis Enrique as coach

Spain appoints Luis Enrique as coach

Spain’s football federation says former Barcelona coach Luis Enrique has been appointed to take charge of the national team. He replaces Julen Lopetegui, who was sacked on the eve of the World Cup after accepting the job at Real Madrid, with Fernando Hierro taking temporary charge for the finals in Russia. Luis Enrique has signed a two-year contract. “The decision has been unanimous,” federation president Luis Rubiales said. “I like his commitment. He has let better financial opportunities pass in order to be national team coach. This coach fulfills all the parameters to take charge of the team. Luis Enrique is bringing his backroom staff, but this is a matter he will speak about next week.”

Russia’s Ignashevich retires after WCup exit

Defender Sergei Ignashevich has announced his retirement from football after Russia lost to Croatia in the World Cup quarterfinals. The 38-year-old holds the Russian record for most international appearances with 127 and his last act on a football field was to convert a penalty in Saturday’s shootout loss to Croatia. “I feel pleasure and peace because I’m finishing on a high note by playing at the World Cup, in a quarterfinal with an excellent team and an excellent coach,” he said in a video statement released by the Russian team. He added that he would have retired as professional footballer earlier if not for the World Cup and now plans to become a coach.

Pope consoles Brazil after defeat

Pope Francis is trying to cheer up Brazilian football fans after the team’s quarterfinal exit from the World Cup. The pope, an Argentine and an avid soccer fan, noted a preponderance of Brazilian flags on display in St. Peter’s Square during his traditional Sunday blessing. He told the crowd: “I see a lot of Brazilian flags: Have courage! There’ll be a next time.” The five-time world champions left the World Cup empty handed after losing to Belgium in the quarterfinals, leaving only European teams contending for the title in Russia. Francis often meets with visiting national football teams, has a collection of gifted jerseys and frequently promotes the value of sports particularly for young people.