Spain appoints Julen Lopetegui as new boss

On the heels of a relatively disappointing Euro 2016 that saw the continental holders bounced in the last-16 by Italy, Spain has named Julen Lopetegui as its new manager.

Lopetegui, 49, succeeds Vincente del Bosque at the helm of the 2010 World Cup-winning La Furia Roja, according to a statement Thursday on the Royal Spanish Football Federation's website.

Capped once for Spain, the former shot-stopper is experienced in the various facets of the country's proficient national team set-up. A role as an assistant with the Under-17 side was followed by spells managing the Under-19, Under-20, and Under-21 squads, winning the UEFA European Under-19 Championship in 2012 before taking the Under-21 honours a year later.

(Courtesy: sefutbol)

Lopetegui's CV isn't limited to Spanish youth sides, as the Basque-born gaffer enjoyed a spell with Rayo Vallecano in 2003 before taking a gig with Real Madrid's B-team.

His last position was with Porto, where he boasted a dazzling 68.83 win percentage, leading the Primeira Liga giant to 53 victories in 77 matches and an obscene goal differential of plus-105. He was relieved of his duties with Porto in January after dismissal from the Champions League, prompting speculation of a high-profile club move.

Lopetegui has some work to do if he plans on emulating the decorated Del Bosque. In eight years at the helm of the national team, the former Real Madrid gaffer captured the 2010 World Cup before nabbing continental honours at Euro 2012. He was named FIFA's World Coach of the Year in 2012 for leading Spain to its first World Cup title.