Casillas, Del Bosque dream of World Cup unity

On the eve of leading his country into their first World Cup final on Sunday, Spain captain Iker Casillas admitted he has a few butterflies, but is thinking only of lifting the trophy.

The 29-year-old Real Madrid goalkeeper will be winning his 111th cap in the final against the Netherlands at Johannesburg’s Soccer City.

Having lifted the Euro 2008 title in Vienna two years ago, Casillas said winning the World Cup would be a dream come true and has given no thought to a Dutch victory with both sides bidding for their first world title.

Having lost their opening group game to Switzerland in a shock upset, Spain have gone from strength to strength.

“We are a little nervous, it is a very important match for us, we have come a long way and have a few butterflies in the stomach,” said Casillas.

“Certainly the start wasn’t good, but we have been able to recover and here we are.

“We all dream, from a very early age, of lifting the trophy and being the captain gives me great pride, but I am trying to think only of the game and not get too far ahead.”

This will be Spain’s first World Cup final, but that will hardly register with the Spanish as an achievement if the Dutch win, said Casillas.

“We want to have the cherry on the cake,” he said. “We have achieved something great, but neither me, my team-mates nor the country behind us will just be happy with that.”

The King of Spain, Juan Carlos I, phoned coach Vicente del Bosque on Saturday to wish the national side the best of luck and the 59-year-old said he is hoping Spanish success can help unite the country.

Success in South Africa has led to Spanish flags being flown with pride in traditional Catalan and Basque areas.

“There are players from all over Spain here in the squad, we are united and I hope the same feeling of unity occurs back in Spain,” said the former Real Madrid coach.

“I think sport does many good things and I hope football could lead to better relations in our country.”

Del Bosque does not expect Bert van Marwijk-coached Holland to change their style of play against his side, but has options up his sleeve, even if they do.

“I don’t think the Dutch side will change their approach, simply because they are playing Spain,” he said.

“We have lots of options, there is a plan A and B, we have solutions to any situations which may come up.”

Del Bosque says he has neither prepared a plan to cope with Dutch midfield dynamo Wesley Sneijder, nor has he put his side through penalty practice.

“No, there is no anti-Sneijder plan, we have had to deal with other players in that position, we have a very good midfield, we are used to coping with that sort of player.

“I don’t believe in practicing for penalties, as it has very little to do with the emotions on the pitch.”