体坛英语新闻：Spain coach Hierro says past 'irrelevant' ahead of Russia clash

MOSCOW, June 30 (Xinhua) -- History will count for nothing when Spain and Russia meet in the World Cup round of 16, Roja coach Fernando Hierro said on Saturday.

Spain have never beaten a host at the World Cup or European Championship, but Hierro said he had not raised the subject with his players ahead of the match at Moscow's Luzhniki Stadium on Sunday.

"Records are there to be broken," Hierro told a news conference. "We have everything very clearly in mind. Why are we looking in the rear view mirror? Why are we looking at the past? It's all about tomorrow. Everything else is completely irrelevant."

Among Spain's most recent losses to hosts in major tournaments was a defeat to South Korea at the 2002 World Cup and a loss to Portugal at the 2004 European Championship.

One of the pre-tournament favorites, Spain have yet to hit top gear in Russia. They drew 3-3 with Portugal in their opener and then overcame Iran 1-0 before a 2-2 draw with Morocco.

The Roja's inconsistent start has coincided with turbulence off the pitch. Hierro was only named coach on the eve of the tournament, replacing Julen Lopetegui, who was sacked after it was revealed he had accepted an offer to join Real Madrid.

Hierro said his team would not be overawed by playing in front of around 80,000 mostly pro-Russia fans on Sunday.

"My lads are used to playing in big stadiums, where there's a lot of pressure, where you're away from home," he said. "Everything that will be achieved will be on the pitch."