Casillas disappointed by Baia's absence
Thursday, 10 June 2004 18:28Luiz Felipe Scolari's controversial decision to leave goalkeeper Vitor Baia out of the Portugal squad for Euro 2004 came as a disappointing surprise for Spanish counterpart Iker Casillas. Casillas said: "Baia was a reference point for young keepers when he was playing at Barcelona. I was very surprised when I found out he wasn't here at Euro 2004 but it's down to the Portugal coach to manage his options. I think he deserved to be here but the coach decides."
Baia has been the outstanding goalkeeper in Portugal all season and he performed immaculately in Porto's run to victory in the Champions League. Scolari came under intense pressure to include him in his squad but the Brazilian, who ignored similar calls to recall Romario to Brazil's World Cup-winning squad in 2002, held firm once again.
Casillas was a non-playing substitute at Euro 2000 but was ever present for Spain at the last World Cup and is likely to be preferred to Santiago Canizares for their Group A opener against Russia on Saturday.
Filed by Mark O'Neill-Cummins
