The Real Madrid shot stopper has voiced his relief in wake of La Roja’s 1-0 victory over http://www.senore.com/Football-soccer/Croatia-c2879 on Monday.
Spain’s http://www.senore.com/Football-soccer/Iker-Casillas-c16815 has expressed that he is pleased to see his side finish the group stage of the Euro 2012 as the winners of Group D.
La Furia Roja were ensured the top spot in their group after they managed to secure a hard-fought victory over the Croatian national team.
Considering the fact that the match was a very competitive affair, Casillas’ relief is appropriate. The Spaniards were given an unexpectedly stern test as they struggled to contain the Blazers, especially in the second half.
Another point to ponder upon rests in the fact that La Roja’s bid to achieve glory in the European Championship for the second time in a row is a feat never achieved by any side before. Hence, history is not really in favour of http://www.senore.com/Football-soccer/Vicente-c36001 del Bosque’s men.
In addition to this, the prestigious tournament is experiencing raised stakes this time round, as the competition has certainly taken a new shape.
Although the World Champions were expected to easily qualify for the knock-out stages, their road to the quarter-finals was not as easy as many would have thought.
The Iberians had to settle for a draw in their first match of the Euro 2012 campaign against http://www.senore.com/Football-soccer/Republic-of-Ireland-c2987.
Spain’s last game of the group stages was a 1-0 win over Slaven Bilic’s side.
Casillas has emphasized that the victory over Croatia was difficult and that he is content with the fact that his side were able to win.
While talking to reporters, the veteran goalkeeper quoted:
"I think it was a very tense match, but that is normal because it was important to get through to the next round.”
"Croatia were well prepared to face us. They made it very difficult for us to create chances, they defended very well. In the end we were lucky, scoring late on. It felt like a weight off our shoulders."
Spain’s opponents in the last eight of the Euro will be determined tonight, as they are set to face the team that finishes second in group D.
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