Tuesday, August 22, 2006

Raul makes 100th appearance for Spain

Spain captain Raul made his 100th appearance for the national side when he led his side in their friendly international against Iceland in Reykjavik on Tuesday.

Only goalkeeper Andoni Zubizarreta, who made 126 appearances between 1986 and 1998, has played more games for Spain than the 29-year-old.

The Real Madrid striker, who made his international debut against the Czech Republic in October 1996, is also Spain's all-time record scorer with 44 goals.

He has played in three World Cups and two European championships.

(Writing by Simon Baskett in Madrid)

Saturday, August 19, 2006

Raul reaches century mark

Madrid ace has found the net 44 times for Spain since his debut a decade ago and had hoped to grab a landmark goal against Iceland.

Raul told Marca: "A hundred games in the shirt of Spain is something to be very proud and happy about.

"I am happy to have reached that figure. It is a very important achievement.

"To have played for the national team so many times shows I have been working hard.

"It is a shame the match did not turn out as we'd hoped. It was tough for us. We gave it everything.

"But the most important thing is that qualifying for Euro 2008 starts in 15 days and we have a good feeling about this."