Hierro eyes caps record
Real Madrid skipper Fernando Hierro has the chance to become Spain's second-highest capped player in Saturday's World Cup game against Austria.
Real Madrid skipper Fernando Hierro has the chance to become Spain's second-highest capped player in Saturday's World Cup game against Austria.
Hierro has represented his country on 80 occasions since making his debut for Spain in September 1989.
His inclusion on Saturday will mean he has played at international level 81 times, equalling the number of caps gained by national team selector Jose Antonio Camacho.
33-year-old Hierro will surpass Camacho if he is picked for next Wednesday's match against Liechtenstein, but he will have a long way to go if he wants to become Spain's most capped player ever.
The record stands with legendary keeper Andoni Zubizarreta, who notched up a notable 126 appearances for the national team.
Hierro will be happy enough to be the squad's top scorer with 27 goals at international level, although his tally could soon be overtaken by his Real Madrid team-mate Raul Gonzalez, who at 23, has already netted 21 times for Spain.
Elsewhere, the Spanish Football Federation are hoping that coach Camacho will sign up with Spain until 2005 as soon as next summer's World Cup is over.