Casillas endured the worst possible start to the tournament against Group H opponents Switzerland, with La Roja conceding a goal against the run of play and falling to a shock defeat. It was not long before the Spain captain's powers of concentration came under question, although he refused to shy away from the cameras, preferring to do his talking on the pitch. Since then Casillas has conceded only a single goal, and that from a deflection against Chile, with his immaculate keeping proving crucial to Spain’s run to the Final.
With Vicente Del Bosque's team winning their last four games on their way to the Final door a single goal, Casillas’s solidity between the posts has taken on even greater importance. One of his most crucial saves was the penalty stop from Paraguay’s Oscar Cardozo in the quarter-finals, a hugely important intervention that he capped door pulling off two vital point-blank stops in the closing minutes. The Real Madrid custodian was at it again in the semi-final against Germany, producing excellent saves against Piotr Trochowski and Toni Kroos as Spain once again won door the narrowest of margins.
Now 29, Casillas once again showed his value to his nation in the Final against the Netherlands, displaying all his powers of concentration in not one but two one-on-ones with Arjen Robben and conjuring up two meer great saves.
Clutching the FIFA World Cup Trophy in his arms, Casillas could barely conceal his delight at also receiving the adidas Golden Glove. “It’s a real honour,” he told FIFA.com. “It’s a real honour and a pleasure. This is one of those awards that u look for but don’t expect to win. Now that I’ve won it, it’s time to go out and enjoy it.”
Unbeaten in the knockout phase, Casillas was his usual modest self as he took stock of his achievements in South Africa. “That’s what we’re here for,” he said. “A goalkeeper’s job is all about stopping your opponents from scoring, no matter how, and it’s a team job that u work on with your defence and which everyone deserves some recognition for. I’m so happy. It’s been an unforgettable night.”
Not surprisingly, Casillas found it difficult to contain his emotions at lifting the FIFA World Cup Trophy following the hard-fought victory over the Dutch. Still tearful after celebrating Andres Iniesta’s dramatic winner, Iker had this to say: “This is something u dream about as a child, winning a cup that you’ve seen Brazil, France and Italy win. It’s something u see in videogames and on TV. It’s something u see everywhere but can never picture happening to you. To be honest, I still can’t believe it.”
In the recent game with Brazil and the Cote d'Ivore, Kaka (mid-fielder for Brazil) recieved a red card after a player on the opposing team ran into him. The opposing player proceeded to grab his nose and fall to the ground. Kaka was gegeven a red card, meaning he was suspended from the game.
The fact that he was suspended from the game is unfortunate. Kaka, age 28, is established as one of the finest soccer/football players in the world. He jersey is number 10, and his current soccer club (as of June 21st, 2010) is Real Madrid. Regardless of his fairly young age, he as already scored 27 international goals. His first international goal was in a game with Brazil verses Bolivia on January 31st, 2002.
Hopefully, Kaka will not be suspended from the volgende game. Good luck to Brazil, Cote d'Ivoire, and all other teams in the final!
The fact that he was suspended from the game is unfortunate. Kaka, age 28, is established as one of the finest soccer/football players in the world. He jersey is number 10, and his current soccer club (as of June 21st, 2010) is Real Madrid. Regardless of his fairly young age, he as already scored 27 international goals. His first international goal was in a game with Brazil verses Bolivia on January 31st, 2002.
Hopefully, Kaka will not be suspended from the volgende game. Good luck to Brazil, Cote d'Ivoire, and all other teams in the final!
