'Legend' Casillas set for 100th appearance as Spain captain

Andy West 10:22 05/09/2015
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  • Icon: Casillas.

    Spain manager Vicente Del Bosque has labelled Iker Casillas a “legend” as the goalkeeper prepares to captain La Roja for the 100th time in Saturday night’s must-win European Championship qualifier against Slovakia.

    Former Real Madrid star Casillas has made a solid start to life with his new club, Porto, and Del Bosque has every confidence in the veteran’s ability to deliver another strong performance despite the potential distraction of the dramatic week experienced by rival David De Gea.

    Casillas’s place in the team has never been in doubt with Del Bosque standing by his captain despite his troubles in the last couple of years, and the experienced manager says this week’s tug of war between Madrid and Manchester United for De Gea has not affected the camp.

    “The preparation for our goalkeepers has not been any different from normal,” he said. “Casillas is a modern-day legend and I’m sure he’ll celebrate his 100th game as captain with another good performance.”

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    The milestone for Casillas is overshadowed by the importance of tonight’s game, with Spain needing victory over group leaders Slovakia – who have won all six qualifying games so far – to maintain a comfortable position in their quest for a place in next summer’s finals.

    In total Slovakia have put together an impressive streak of nine consecutive victories, including a shock 2-1 victory over Spain in Zilina last season, when Del Bosque’s side were stunned by a late winner from ex-Chelsea midfielder Miroslav Stoch.

    Spain’s task tonight could be eased by the fact that Slovakia are without four regular starters, including Liverpool defender Martin Skrtel and former Manchester City and Espanyol midfielder Vladimir Weiss.

    But Del Bosque is taking nothing for granted, warning: “Slovakia have won all six games and they have some very good players.

    “They’re without some important players but they are a good team, and we’ll have to be particularly careful against their rapid counter-attacks when they win the ball.”

    In particular, Del Bosque has urged his team to show patience against a visiting team which he predicts will be defensively-minded, explaining: “We’re expecting them to close the game, and we will have to open it up.”

    Del Bosque would not confirm whether he will opt to start with Chelsea striker Diego Costa, who has only scored one goal in seven outings at international level.

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