The Spanish football federation insisted manager Vicente del Bosque will remain in his post – even if Spain suffer an early exit from the World Cup.

The favourites for the tournament in South Africa opened their campaign with a shock defeat at the hands of Switzerland, but with games against Chile and Honduras to come, the Spanish should still qualify for the last 16.

 

Del Bosque succeeded Luis Aragones after he guided Spain to success at Euro 2008. And even though the former Real Madrid boss has led the Spanish to 25 wins out of 27 since taking charge, failure to take maximum points against Honduras and Chile will increase the pressure.

But federation president Angel Villar Mar said: "Whatever happens, Del Bosque will continue as coach. It's not a disaster if we don't get out of the first phase.”