Now we head to Madrid, where Spain have kicked off their preparations for the World Cup. For several older members of La Roja, this year's football showpiece in Russia is likely to be their last chance to reclaim the trophy they won in 2010, but relinquished four years later. And coach Julen Lopetegui says that setback, as well as an early elimination at Euro 2016, has made the side more humble and determined. Damion Jones has the story.

Spain's first official training session in the final run-up to the 2018 FIFA World Cup began with a couple of key players sitting on the sidelines. Those getting extra time to rest include Real Madrid captain Sergio Ramos, who is fresh off leading Los Blancos to their third straight UEFA Champions League title. Teammate Dani Carvajal was forced off the pitch early in Saturday's 3-1 victory over Liverpool, but the defender now says he is not hurt as badly as initially feared, and is ready to contribute to La Roja's latest run at glory. After sandwiching success at the beautiful game's biggest tournament around Euro triumphs in 2008 and 2012, the Spaniards were sent packing in the group stage at the international football showpiece in Brazil four years ago, and dropped out in pool play on the continental stage in 2016.

JULEN LOPETEGUI SPAIN COACH "A World Cup title is won, not by choosing qualifying labels, but by demonstrating it on the pitch. Honestly, as a coach, I am not very interested in the reputation attached to each team. Every squad has a chance, and we have an opportunity to demonstrate that we are capable. We have confidence in our side, and we will try to go as far as we can."

Spain's road to repairing a roughed-up reputation includes friendlies against Switzerland and Tunisia, before clashing with Group B rivals Portugal in their World Cup opener, on June 15th in Sochi. Damion Jones, CGTN.