Oslo (AFP)
Spanish defender Sergio Ramos, facing Norway in qualifying for the Euro-2020, celebrated Saturday his 168th selection under the jersey of "Roja", becoming the player with the most appearances with the team of Spain in front of his former teammate Iker Casillas (167).
The captain of Real Madrid (33 years) was tenured in central defense for this qualifying match played in Oslo, fourteen years after his first selection in 2005 in a friendly against China (3-0).
A member of the Spanish team world champion in 2010 and double European champion in 2008 and 2012, Ramos inherited the captain's armband in 2016, the date of the last convocation of Casillas (38 years) in selection.
The Sevilla-born defender tied the San Iker record last month in the 4-0 win over the Faroe Islands in Euro qualifying.
Moreover, Ramos is now only eight lengths from the European record held by the legendary Italian goalkeeper Gianluigi Buffon (176 caps), and sixteen units of the world record set by the Egyptian Ahmed Hassan (184).
The Spanish team against Norway:
Kepa - Jesus Navas, Albiol, Sergio Ramos, Bernat - Saul, Busquets, Ceballos, Fabian Ruiz - Oyarzabal, Rodrigo Moreno.
Coach: Robert Moreno (ESP).
© 2019 AFP