Former Real Madrid and Spain goalkeeper Iker Casillas, currently with Porto, has said that he wants Russia to go further than the round of 16 at the 2018 FIFA World Cup. The 37-year-old veteran, who won the World Cup with Spain in 2010 but who was left out of the country’s squad for this summer’s tournament, took part in the opening ceremony of the Football Park festival at Moscow’s Red Square earlier on Thursday.
“I’m very happy to be here, at the World Cup, at Red Square. I’m grateful to Russia for a wonderful organization [of the tournament]. You welcome guests from all over the world really well. Congratulations to Russia on reaching the knockout stage! Russia may face Spain in the final, I’ll support Spain then but I wish Russia to progress anyway,” Casillas said.
Hosts Russia have qualified for the knockout stage for the first time after defeating Saudi Arabia 5-0 in the opening game of the World Cup on June 14 and beating Egypt 3-1 on Tuesday. Spain drew their first game against Portugal 3-3 on June 15 before beating Iran 1-0 on Wednesday.