Former Spain goalkeeper Iker Casillas says he wants Russia to reach at least the quarter-finals at the World Cup.
The 37-year-old veteran, who won the World Cup with Spain in 2010 and currently plays for FC Porto in Portugal, 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 organisation. 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 told journalists.
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.