Casillas holds his hands up after Spanish humiliation

Photo: Iker Casillas hangs head as Dutch players celebrate (Getty Images)

Iker Casillas is prepared to take the blame for Spain’s humiliating loss in their World Cup opener against the Netherlands when they were thrashed 5-1 yesterday.

“I wasn’t at the level I needed to be. I have to accept all criticism,” the Real Madrid goalkeeper said. “I didn’t do things like I should have, especially to start a World Cup,”

Casillas could only stand and watch as Van Persie’s looping header landed in the back of the net in what the Dutchman described as the goal of his career. The RVP goal was the equalizer after Spain had led through a Xabi Alonso penalty.

But the Spanish number one was clearly at fault for the second goal scored by the Manchester United striker who easily robbed the keeper inside the box before slotting home the penultimate goal of the game.

“It wasn’t one of my best games,” Casillas admitted and he and his teammates will have to be at their best if they are to overcome a confident Chile who got the best of Australia 3-1 in the late encounter on day 2 of the greatest show on earth.