Iker's shootout heroics give all of Spain belief

By Mark Elkington

MADRID (Reuters) - Goalkeeper Iker Casillas was lauded by the Spanish media on Monday after two saves in the penalty shootout against Italy put Spain into the semi-finals of Euro 2008.

"Hero Casillas," said the front page of daily Sport. El Mundo led with: "Casillas breaks the Spanish jinx."

It is 24 years since Spain have reached the final four of a major tournament and the 'curse of the quarter-finals' hung over Spanish fans watching the match at home, in bars, and on giant screens set up in squares across the country on Sunday.

The evening appeared to be going to script. Spain dominated possession without really causing Italy too many problems, while the nervous tension mounted after a goalless 90 minutes and then extra-time.

A fatalism took over as the shootout started, with a belief that the world champions were the side more likely to come out on top.

Fans darkly reminded each other of Spain's three previous quarter-final exits on penalties, all on June 22.

But Casillas, who has been dubbed 'San Iker' by Real Madrid fans in the past, saved from Daniele De Rossi and Antonio Di Natale.

JOYOUS CELEBRATIONS