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Croatia's Ivan Rakitic tries a header between Spain goalkeeper Iker Casillas and Sergio Busquets during the Euro 2012 soccer championship Group C match between Croatia and Spain in Gdansk, Poland, Monday, June 18, 2012. Gero Breloer, Associated Press
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Croatia's Ivan Rakitic misses a chance in front of Spain goalkeeper Iker Casillas during the Euro 2012 soccer championship Group C match between Croatia and Spain in Gdansk, Poland, Monday, June 18, 2012. Gero Breloer, Associated Press
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Spain goalkeeper Iker Casillas makes a save in front of Croatia's Vedran Corluka during the Euro 2012 soccer championship Group C match between Croatia and Spain in Gdansk, Poland, Monday, June 18, 2012. Matt Dunham, Associated Press
By Associated Press

GDANSK, Poland — Once again, Spain's veteran goalkeeper showed why his nickname is "Saint Iker."

Iker Casillas bailed out his disorganized defense over and over in the second half Monday, making two clutch saves to preserve Spain's 1-0 victory over Croatia and send the defending champions to the European Championship quarterfinals.

Casillas got his hands up to stop Ivan Rakitic's point-blank header in the 59th minute and then got down to punch out Ivan Perisic's low volley in the 79th.

The 31-year-old Real Madrid goalkeeper, who now has 76 clean sheets, stretched his record number of wins in international play to 98.

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Spain teammate Xabi Alonso says "we have Iker and we are thankful for that."

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