Sergio Ramos eyeing 200 games after equalling Spain appearances record
Sergio Ramos pulled level with Iker Casillas to become the players who have played the most games at full international level with Spain.
Spain captain Sergio Ramos said his goal is to reach 200 international appearances after equalling Iker Casillas' record last night. Ramos moved level with Casillas as Spain's most-capped player following his 167th cap in Sunday's 4-0 rout of the Faroe Islands in Euro 2020 qualifying.
After matching Casillas in the Group F qualifier, the 33-year-old defender – who debuted in 2005 – said: "Records are there to be broken. I hope that this momentum, enthusiasm and ambition always accompanies me and that I reach 200 games, which is the objective. You have to make it difficult."
Ramos could reach 171 games at full international level if he plays in the four remaining games Spain have to play this year - against Norway and Sweden next month and Malta and Romania in November. He would still be some way off the world record - Ahmed Hassan made 184 appearances for Egypt between 1995 and 2012. No player has broken past the 200-cap mark and to fulfil his dream, Ramos would have to continue playing for La Roja for a couple more years at least and it would also require Spain reaching the final of next year's Euros and the Nations League in 2021.
Casillas takes to Twitter
Casillas praised Ramos after the Spain and Real Madrid skipper joined him in the history books. "Congratulations on those 167 games!! I hope there are many more. Great moments we have lived with the @SeFutbol," Casillas tweeted.
Ramos, who was part of Spain's Euro-winning sides in 2008 and 2012 and the 2010 World Cup – replied: "I'm flattered by Iker's praise. I still have to overcome [his number] and I hope I can play for this country for many more years."
Spain played six, won six
Braces from Rodrigo and Paco Alcácer against the Faroe Islands put Spain on track to qualify for Euro 2020. Spain have won their six matches to be top and seven points clear of Sweden in Group F.
Ramos praised head coach Robert Moreno, who replaced Luis Enrique in June after the former Barcelona boss stepped down due to personal reasons before the death of his daughter last month. "I think he is comfortable and we're delighted with him," the defender said. "He knows the dressing room and our way of playing well. He can help us."