Iker Casillas takes blame for Spain defeat

Spain goalkeeper Iker Casillas has claimed that he is to blame for his side's heavy defeat in their World Cup opening match against the Netherlands.

The holders took the lead through Xavi Alonso's first-half penalty, before eventually falling to a 5-1 loss against the team that they beat in the 2010 final.

Casillas, who was making his 155th appearance for Spain, admitted that he was not up to the standard that was required of him.

"I wasn't at the level I needed to be. I have to accept all criticism," BBC Sport quotes Casillas as saying.

"I didn't do things like I should have, especially to start a World Cup. It wasn't one of my best games."

Spain will face Chile in their second Group B match next Wednesday.