Cesar Azpilicueta believes Spain possess enough quality to mount a strong title challenge in the World Cup despite their recent problems in Russia.

The 2010 champions saw Julen Lopetegui sacked on the eve of the tournament after the Spanish Football Federation were angered by the manner of his move to Real Madrid.

Spain then drew 3-3 with European champions Portugal but still qualified as group winners. They will face hosts Russia on Sunday in the last-16 stage and the Chelsea defender say they have put those problem behind them.

“It’s clear that it’s an unusual circumstance that doesn’t happen often, but that’s what happened and you have to take things as they are,” Azpilicueta was quoted as saying by AFP.

“You can’t shy away, you have to accept the reality. We must do our work in the best way we can and go as far as possible.”

Former Real Madrid captain Fernando Hierro was appointed as Lopetegui’s replacement despite having never taken charge of an international side.

But Azpilicueta has been impressed with the ex-Bolton player.

“Fernando has shown great enthusiasm, he’s very involved. He had to face up to this situation and he is giving everything he has to help us, to improve the team,” he said.

Andres Iniesta’s strike in the 2010 final sealed World Cup glory for the Spanish eight years ago. In what is the 34-year-old’s final World Cup, Iniesta has only played the full 90 minutes once despite starting all three group games.

But Azpilicueta played down suggestions about the former Barcelona midfielder and is convinced he will be a key player for them.

“Andres is a special player who can make the difference at any moment. He controls the game, he said.

“If we’d won our first three matches perhaps we wouldn’t be talking about that. We know when not everything goes as planned people look everywhere for problems.

“I really have no doubt that Andres is a key player and is going to continue to be.”