Schuster hails Casillas
Tuesday, January 08, 2008

Bernd Schuster singled out goalkeeper Iker Casillas for special praise following his match-winning display against Real Zaragoza on Sunday.

Schuster said: "This match goes to the forwards and the great game by Iker. Matches are decided at key moments.

"There are times we just have to work harder when we aren't playing well. We scored at key moments in the match.

"We were able to please our fans when the match appeared to be an uphill battle."

Schuster insists he appreciates the value of Casillas even if it is always the attacking players who take most of the plaudits and awards.

"These prizes are always given to forwards. It's very hard for a goalkeeper to receive them and it has been a long time since it happened," Schuster said.

"But it doesn't matter, all that counts is to know that in our goalkeeper we have one of the best."

Zaragoza striker Diego Milito also praised Casillas, saying: "Sometimes it is difficult to beat Casillas and it was one of those days. He is a great goalkeeper, one of the best in the world."