ROTTERDAM, Netherlands — Wesley Sneijder has become the Netherlands’ most capped international, making his 131st appearance for his country in Friday’s Group A World Cup qualifier against Luxembourg on his 33rd birthday.
The veteran midfielder’s appearance in the Dutch starting lineup meant he overtook former goalkeeper Edwin van der Sar’s long-held record.
Sneijder, a former Ajax, Real Madrid and Inter Milan playmaker who is now at Galatasaray in Turkey, made his international debut on April 30, 2003, in a 1-1 draw against Portugal.
The highlight of his international career was likely his pivotal role in the Netherlands’ run to the final of the 2010 World Cup in South Africa. He was one of four joint top scorers for the tournament with five goals, including a rare headed winner against Brazil in the quarterfinals.
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