Real Madrid goalkeeper Iker Casillas was awarded his 150th cap for Spain in the reigning champions’ World Cup qualifier against Finland on Friday after coach Vicente del Bosque kept faith in his captain.
Casillas hasn’t played a competitive game yet this season as new Madrid boss Carlo Ancelotti has installed Diego Lopez as his number one.
And it was thought that Barcelona’s Victor Valdes may be handed the starting role in goal after his excellent start to the campaign.
Casillas is Spain’s most-capped player, with Barcelona’s Xavi Hernandez now alone in second place with 127 caps after also being awarded a starting berth.
Del Bosque also handed competitive debuts to the Atletico Madrid pair of Koke and Mario Suarez, with the former starting in an unfamiliar role at right-back.
Meanwhile Barcelona’s Cesc Fabregas was once again selected to play in the false nine role, with David Villa and Pedro Rodriguez on either flank as Alvaro Negredo and Roberto Soldado started on the bench.
Del Bosque hands Casillas 150th cap
