One of the most dramatic incidents of the World Cup took place before a ball was kicked, as Spain sacked their manager Julen Lopetegui on the eve of the opening game of the tournament.
Spanish FA president Luis Rubiales made the decision after Lopetegui had taken the Real Madrid job without notifying the Spanish FA accordingly.
In the absence of Lopetegui the Spanish FA needed a quick replacement, and they eventually settled on Fernando Hierro who had been working as Spanish football's sporting director, but according to Newcastle boss Rafael Benitez, it could've been him to succeed the 51-year-old.
Speaking to reporters Benitez confirmed that there was 'a chance' that he could have taken over from the Madrid bound Lopetegui:
There was maybe a chance. But I am still [at Newcastle] and I am happy to be here.
There was a chance. There were rumours about that.
With regards to possibly taking the Spain job in the future, Benitez remained open:
We will see. I still feel young, so I have plenty of time to do that. Spain, I think, are a very good team and they will be better in the future.
Benitez has also recently admitted to Sky Sports News that Newcastle will have to wheel and deal in this transfer window in order to bring in players
Unfortunately it's what we have to do. We have to wheel and deal, that is the way for us. And then we try to continue doing the right things.
Newcastle's business so far this summer is indicative of the Spaniards comments with Ki Sung-yueng arriving on a free from Swansea, winger Kenedy returning for a second season on loan from Chelsea, and goalkeeper Martin Dubravka signing from Sparta Prague for £4m.
