Iker Casillas: 'I have to accept all criticism'

Iker Casillas: 'I have to accept all criticism' . accepts blame for defeat

World Cup defending champions were humiliated by their Dutch counterparts last night in a wonderful game of football that ended 5-1 in favour of the Dutch.

Real Madrid goal keeper, Iker Casillas had a poor game as he was at least responsible for one of the goals.

"I wasn't at the level I needed to be. I have to accept all criticism," admitted the Real Madrid player.

La Roja took the lead through Xabi Alonso's penalty before the Netherlands hit back as Robin van Persie and Arjen Robben both scored twice, while Stefan de Vrij also netted.

"I didn't do things like I should have, especially to start a World Cup," added Casillas, who was dispossessed by Van Persie for the fourth goal.

"It wasn't one of my best games."

Del Bosque, who masterminded Spain's 2010 World Cup triumph, said he felt "sick" by the result.
But the 63-year-old refused to publicly blame any of his players.

"When a team loses a match it's not just the performance of one single player, its a weakness in the total squad," Del Bosque said.

"We can't blame anyone, least of all Iker Casillas." 

Speaking about the result, he added: "I feel sick, ill at ease, but with the courage a defeat must not sink us.

"It is not a happy moment, but first of all I want to congratulate the Dutch team, who were superior to us.

"We have been overwhelmed.

"We are a team of good professionals and good lads - everyone hurts. There will be time to talk."

Spain's next game is against Chile, who beat Australia 3-1 in their opening game, on 18 June.