There was a period when Francisco Alarcon ‘Isco’, looked like he was the next big thing in world football. The magician of Real Madrid had danced his way into the hearts of millions of Los Blancos fans; and after winning the UEFA Champions League in his first season at the Bernabeu, and playing a vital role at the attacking tip — Zinedine Zidane’s midfield trident or diamond during their historic three-peat (2016, 17, 18) — the magic of Isco had mesmerised all of Europe.
Then came the downhill. Going into the 2018 FIFA Men’s World Cup in Russia, Spain was among the favourites for the title, and all their hopes rested on Isco. However, things took a turn for the worse on the eve of the tournament when it emerged that Julen Lopetegui was to take up the managerial position left vacant by Zidane at Madrid.
This irritated the Spanish football federation, which saw the act as one of treason, and sacked Lopetegui just two days ahead of the opening match. Fernando Hierro, Spain’s Director of Football, took temporary charge. But the damage was done. The whole incident disrupted the team’s momentum and led to the team’s shock exit in the round-of-16.
