Iker Casillas

The revelation

Spanish goalkeeper Iker Casillas (L) attempts to block a shot by Irish forward Robbie Keane (back-R) as Spain's Fernando Hierro (#6) looks on in their second round match at the 2002 FIFA World Cup Korea/Japan in Suwon, 16 June 2002. The two teams were tied at regulation time 1-1 as play continues. The winner will meet either South Korea or Italy in the quarter-finals 22 June in Gwangju. AFP PHOTO/Jimin LAI

It's hard to imagine that going into his second World Cup Real Madrid 'keeper Iker Casillas will still only be 26, but he is typical of the new breed in Spain's squad; skilled and experienced but still young.

He has so far also had all the luck, taking part in the 2002 World Cup only after becoming a late replacement for regular 'keeper Santiago Canizares and then keeping the veteran on the bench for Euro 2004.

Casillas was no beginner. He had played no less than ten times for Spain before his 20th birthday and his baby face was a familiar sight behind the defence of Real Madrid.

In Real's 2002 Champions League triumph against Bayer Leverkusen (2-1) he was heroic, coming on as a substitute and keeping the Germans at bay with two miraculous saves in the dying minutes of the game.

For Spain's former national coach Jose Antonio Camacho to consider leaving veteran Valencia campaigner Canizares on the bench in favour of a teenager was proof that there was something very special behind those boyish looks.

Old head

Real Madrid's goalkeeper Iker Casillas (R) goes to punch the ball against Manchester United's Dwight Yorke (L) during the UEFA Champions League quarter final second leg match at Old Trafford in Manchester 19 April 2000. Manchester United scored an early own goal in the first half. ELECTRONIC IMAGE

Blessed with natural, unerring judgement and innate ball skills which, combined with excellent technique, give his defenders the absolute reassurance they need under pressure.

Real Madrid's players celebrate with the Champions League trophy 24 May 2000, following their victory in the final against Valencia. Real Madrid won 3-0. (ELECTRONIC IMAGE)

He made several vital reflex saves for Real Madrid during their triumphant 2000 Champions League campaign, especially against Manchester United and Bayern Munich in the later stages.

Coming after his contribution to Spain's success at the under-20 World Championship in Nigeria in 2000, his brilliant performances at club level proved he had what it takes to perform at the very highest level and he was included in Spain's squad for the Euro 2000.

Feet on the ground

Barcelona made an offer for him at the start of the 2000-01 season but Casillas preferred to sign a new contract with Real Madrid that will take him up to 2006.

Spanish goalkeeper Iker Casillas makes a save during a penalty shootout against Ireland in their second round match at the 2002 FIFA World Cup Korea/Japan in Suwon, 16 June 2002. Spain won the penalty shootout 3-2 after regulation time finished tied 1-1 and advances to the quarter-finals. AFP PHOTO/Jacques DEMARTHON

The Madrid man seized his chance at the 2002 World Cup, making a string of saves to put Spain into the last eight following a second-round shootout with Ireland.

Spain's goalkeeper Iker Casillas (R) dives to catch a kick by Portugal's midfielder Maniche, 20 June 2004 at Jose Alvalade stadium in Lisbon, during their Euro 2004 group A football match at the European Nations championship in Portugal. AFP PHOTO Dimitar DILKOFF

Two years later at Euro 2004 in Portugal, Spain dreamt of finally ending their failure to win a major tournament since the 1960 European championships but faded like the sunset on the Algarve, eliminated following the first round.