Casillas wary of complacency

Spain goalkeeper warns team-mates of Russian threat

Last updated: 23rd June 2008   Subscribe to RSS Feed

Casillas wary of complacency

Casillas: Points out Russia's strenghts

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Spain goalkeeper Iker Casillas has warned his team-mates that it would be 'naive' to take a Euro 2008 final spot for granted.

Spain face Russia - a side they demolished 4-1 in Group D in their first game of the competition - in the semi-finals, but Casillas insists previous meetings will count for nothing in Vienna on Thursday.

Casillas booked Spain a second meeting with Russia following his quarter-final penalty shoot-out heroics against world champions Italy on Sunday.

But the Spain captain is now looking forward to another clash with Guus Hiddink's Russia side and is guarding against complacency.

Tough

"We would be naive to think that because we defeated (Russia) 4-1 we would get to the final easily," said Casillas.

"We know they are a great team and have shown it against Sweden and Holland. The previous result is of no value, it is a new match."

Meanwhile, manager Luis Aragones is also expecting a tough match against Russia as Hiddink's men peak at the right stage of the competition.

"It is the best moment for Russian football, because this is the moment of the season they are at their best," added Aragones.

"The second half of matches is about speed and we are going to have it tough. We won 4-1 last time but it will be difficult because they have a really good team."