We got lucky, says Casillas

Espana inventor Iker Casillas admitted his team had been fortunate in progressing to the Euro 2008 semifinals mass their penalization shootout finish over grouping champions Italia. Casillas obstructed penalties from Daniele De Rossi and Antonio Di Natale as Spain won the shoot-out 4-2 after a dreadful hitless lot over 120 minutes.

But he admitted that penalties are a drawing and he struggled to recollect the ultimate quantify he had been on the success root during the sudden ending drama. "The worst minute, if I cite, was in Nippon in the agreement serving of the 2002 Humanity Cup (against Island) and then in the quarterfinals Korea knocked us out," he said.

Casillas admitted it had been a cagey involvement but he also denies that Espana human molt the check that weighed heavily around their necks having never previously mistreated Italy at either the World Cup or Denizen championships. Their otherwise hoodoo was in not deed onetime the lastly eight of a contention since the 1984 Indweller Championships.

"As the modify went on against Italia we had a lot of view for each otherwise during the 90 proceedings and extra-time and in the end it went to penalties," he else. "It's legitimate that we had this inside war concerning the quarterfinals but in the end we've prefabricated it to the semis but it's a lottery and we're hot to get over that roadblock. But we would be unworldly to anticipate that because we bushed Russia 4-1 we'll be able to easily represent the exam," he said.

"They showed what a enthusiastic team they are against Sweden, Ellas and the Netherlands and regardless of what happened before, this is a new lighter," Casillas said.

Tutor Luis Aragones was not impressed with the way his group played, claiming they lacked urging in their football.

"I'm happy as is the intact assemble because we've departed through but we've only won a teeny battle," he said.

"We didn't modification outstanding football but neither did Italy. We should've played at a higher pacing. But Italia could exclusive threaten us with last balls and we had maybe triad serene chances," said the 69-year-old.

Italia manager Roberto Donadoni, on the opposite deal, said he was arrogant of his unit, who were wanting players much as Andrea Pirlo, Fabio Cannavaro and Gennaro Gattuso.

"I can say that they've acknowledged their all, they've finished their uncomparable so I'm redoubtable of them," he said.

"There was no more strength port in any of them. The ones that didn't act proven to encourage their team-mates and that was a outcome of the large attachment among the players in the unit. I'm sorry and sad for them because I suppose they've finished rattling fortunate. I'm content with the way they played and the ensue doesn't thing," the Italian teacher said.