Former England goalkeeper Peter Shilton says that Spain captain Iker Casillas can break his record for World Cup clean sheets this year.
Shilton, who also holds the record for number of England caps at 125, kept 10 clean sheets in his World Cup career and is tied for the record with France’s Fabien Barthez.
Spain’s captain Casillas currently has 7 shutouts, but could potentially play in another 7 games if he makes it to his second consecutive World Cup Final in Brazil this year.
“Personally I hope he doesn’t break it!” Shilton said. “It is possible for him to get the record but I hope he doesn’t because I am quite proud of it.”
However, the Real Madrid stopper has had little playing time this season as he continued as understudy to Diego Lopez at the Bernabeu. Casillas had been limited to playing for Madrid in cup competitions throughout the season, culminating in the error which led to Atletico Madrid scoring their opener in the Champions League Final in May. His lack of match fitness could have an effect on Spain’s World Cup chances according to Shilton.
“I think it depends on the type of character he is. It can either affect him in two ways. He can go into the tournament fresh and ready, or he might just lack a little bit of top level fitness. We will have to wait and see. It is a difficult question to answer as I don’t know him.”
