Real Madrid

Iker Casillas became a true Spanish hero in Vienna when he saved two Italian penalties. The Real Madrid goalkeeper was praised by the Spanish press, his teammates, Ramón Calderón and even King Juan Carlos I of Spain. Always humble, Iker tried not to make too much out of what he achieved.

Headlines
"Casillas breaks the curse." (El Mundo)
"Spain and Casillas defeat history." (ABC)
"Casillas breaks with history." (Público)
"Casillas, wall of Spain." (El País)
"Casillas materialises Spain's revenge in the penalty shootout." (El Periódico)
"Wonderful Casillas." (La Vanguardia)
"Casillas + ten." (La Razón)
"Buffon surrenders before Saint Iker." (Mundo Deportivo)
"Casillas the hero." (Sport)

AS
"A superior being awarded Spain its prize (...) An angel from Móstoles (...) The number 1 keeper in the world is Spanish. Iker Casilas, you make us proud! You are a saint!"

Marca
"Iker changes history (...) Ever since he was a child, he has never refused to take on impossible challenges. He developed as a player during moments that required him to be exceptionally confident (...) Casillas is a guarantee on the team. It is impossible to win a championship without such a serious and serene goalie. He saved two penalties and instilled calmeness in his teammates throughout the game.

Player comments
"Casillas is God; I told him so after the game." (Joan Capdevilla)
"Casillas was determined to save those two penalties. He is great." (Reina)
"I was sure Iker would breathe life back into this team." (Güiza)
"He didn't want me to explain anything to him; he preferred to be guided by instinct and intuition." (Manuel Otxotorena, goalkeeper coach of the Spanish national team)

Ramón Calderón
"Many say Buffon is the best, but Iker proved tonight that he is the true number 1 keeper. The King himself told me. 'What a keeper you have. He is the best in the world!' he exclaimed."

Iker Casillas
"I saved the shots because I happen to be the goalkeeper, nothing more. The merit belongs to all my teammates."