Real Madrid left-back Marcelo has heaped praise on team mate Iker Casillas after the goalkeeper saved a penalty in the 4-0 over Cruz Azul.
Los Blancos eased into the final of the Club World Cup final thanks to goals from Sergio Ramos, Karim Benzema, Isco and Gareth Bale. Club captain Casillas also saved a penalty to ensure the clean sheet. It was his second penalty save in the past five days having also saved one in his last match.
And speaking after the game, Marcelo said recent criticism of Casillas had been harsh and people have forgotten how good a keeper he is. The 33-year-old’s reputation took a hit following his 18 month spell playing second fiddle to Diego Lopez, and then forming part of the Spanish squad that performed so badly in Brazil at the World Cup.
Marcelo stated: “A lot of people forget that Iker has done well for quite some time and won the World Cup, two Euros, the Champions League… In my opinion, he’s very, very good and gives us incredible confidence.”
The Brazilian then went on to say the players are determined to win the trophy having made it to the final.
“We want to keep going, working hard and fighting, just like we have over the last few games. This is our objective. Right now we want to think about the final, which is important for us and the club.”
