It was a journey which began in remarkable circumstances, however, with Casillas thrust into the spotlight after a freak injury to a team-mate. The Real Madrid goalkeeper was expected to be a back-up at Korea/Japan 2002, with Santiago Canizares having established himself as Spain’s No1 stopper.
A cruel twist of fate would dash Canizares’ World Cup dreams, though. The Valencia legend dropped a bottle of aftershave in his hotel bathroom, with the shard of glass cutting his foot, severing tendons and ruling him out of the tournament.
Aged just 21, Casillas became Spain’s man between the sticks on the biggest stage of all, and he went on to showcase his world-class potential.
He helped his team get through the group stage with a 100 per-cent record, but it was in Spain’s last-16 clash victory over the Republic of Ireland where he truly made his mark. Casillas brilliantly saved a penalty from Ian Harte in regulation time, then kept out two spot-kicks as La Roja triumphed in the decisive shootout.
While Spain were eliminated by Korea Republic in the quarter-finals, Casillas’ World Cup odyssey was just getting started.
Germany 2006 was ultimately a disappointment – Zinedine Zidane’s France proved too strong for Spain in the first knockout round – but four years later Casillas would have his crowning glory.
By the time South Africa 2010 came around, the goalkeeper’s place in Spanish football’s history books was already secure. The man nicknamed ‘Saint Iker’ had won La Liga four times, the Champions League twice and was part of the Spain side that secured their first major title in 44 years at UEFA EURO 2008.
He had also become renowned for his penalty-saving ability – a reputation further enhanced during Spain’s triumphant 2010 World Cup campaign, when Casillas set a tournament record.
La Roja’s quarter-final clash with Paraguay was goalless and on a knife-edge when the South Americans were awarded a penalty just before the hour. Oscar Cardozo stepped up to take the kick but Casillas, ever the man for the big occasion, repelled his powerful effort to keep the game on level terms.
With that stop, Casillas became the first goalkeeper to save penalties in two editions of the World Cup, excluding shootouts.
David Villa’s late strike saw the Spanish edge Paraguay, one of four consecutive 1-0 victories they would rack up in the knockout phase. Casillas conceded just two goals at the tournament and his immaculate performances were recognised with the adidas Golden Glove Award.
Casillas produced another magic moment in Spain’s dramatic final win over the Netherlands, making a miraculous save with his outstretched boot to prevent Arjen Robben giving the Dutch a second-half lead.
As it was, Andres Iniesta was the hero, scoring a late extra-time winner – and ensuring captain Casillas would lift Spain’s first World Cup title.
