Casillas's Meridian memories
By: Andy Hall from uefa.com (February 2, 2005)
Every version of the UEFA-CAF Meridian Cup has featured players who have gone on to success in the senior game, and there is perhaps no finer example of that than Real Madrid CF and Spain goalkeeper Iker Casillas.
Trophies galore
In February 1999, aged 17, Casillas was part of the Spanish side that emerged victorious in the second edition of the competition, appearing in every game but one as Juan Santisteban's charges remained unbeaten, defeating Ghana 2-1 in the final. Since then Casillas's career has gone from strength to strength; he became Madrid's No1 in 1999/00 and has won two UEFA Champions League trophies and two Primera División titles. He talks to uefa.com about his Meridian Cup memories.
uefa.com: Have you any special memories from the tournament in 1999?
Iker Casillas: Yes, lots of good ones. It was the first time that we had been to South Africa and it was a great experience for all of us to play against other countries. We managed to reach the final, which we won, but also just taking part in the competition, going a long way from home and meeting new people made it an interesting and worthwhile trip. We were a bunch of young players with tremendous enthusiasm, a lot of hope and our whole futures ahead of us. Just take a look at what some players from that side are doing now - most have reached the level where they are playing regularly in the Primera División and others are with second division clubs.
uefa.com: Just how good was that Spain team?
Casillas: Just before the Meridian Cup, we had played the [UEFA] European Under-17 Championship in Ireland where we finished third, so we were not considered favourites in South Africa. But we beat Portugal in the semi-finals in a very difficult match and suddenly found ourselves in the final, against Ghana. We beat them and that was a victory against a very powerful nation in youth football.
Casillas: No, because at that point you are just enjoying the moment and you don't really think that far ahead. You are only 17 years old and you are just delighted to be playing for your national team. I don't think I ever contemplated playing for the senior side one day or even making the grade with Madrid or anything on that scale.
uefa.com: What kind of advice would you give to the new crop of Spanish players that will be going out to Turkey for this year's competition?
Casillas: I would just wish them the very best of luck, and tell them to enjoy every moment because it is one of the best experiences; something that will stay with them for the rest of their lives. I'd tell them not to go with the idea that they have to put in a brilliant performance. It's better to relax and enjoy it.
uefa.com: Finally, Santisteban was in charge of the team when you won the trophy and is still at the helm today. What was he like to work under?
Casillas: He was a lot older than us, had a great deal of experience and treated all of us as if we were his own children or grandchildren. At times he could be strict and severe (laughs) but he is a very good person who always made sure that we were well looked after - he took care of us.