On Thursday, Wesley Sneijder will make his 134th and final appearance for the Netherlands in a friendly against Peru at Johan Cruyff Arena in Amsterdam. The 34-year-old, who currently plays his club ball with Al-Gharafa in Qatar, is calling time on a 15-year international career that included mesmerizing performances at both Euro 2008 and, most famously, the 2010 FIFA World Cup.
The 6th I’ll play my last match for the Dutch National team. I had great years playing for my country! I’m a very thankful man. This will not be the end of my soccer career. I’m still strong and hungry to play my favorite game in the world! pic.twitter.com/ToSo9Vkwk4
— Wesley Sneijder (@sneijder101010) September 2, 2018
During Holland’s run to the quarterfinals of Euro 2008, Sneijder (who was playing for Real Madrid at the time) was named to the Team of the Tournament after recording three assists to go along with two goals.
But it was at the 2010 World Cup — where the Netherlands finished runner-up to Spain — that everything Sneijder touched turned to gold. It shouldn’t have come as a surprise since Sneijder had just been instrumental in leading Internazionale to a historic treble, but nobody expected the midfielder to score five goals in South Africa to claim both the Bronze Boot and Silver Ball.
Sneijder also appeared at Euro 2012 and was again instrumental in Holland’s third-place finish at the 2014 World Cup, scoring an 88th minute equalizer against Mexico in the Round of 16 and converting his penalty against Costa Rica in the quarterfinal shootout.
Sneijder was involved in Holland’s failed qualifying campaigns for both Euro 2016 and the 2018 World Cup before announcing his retirement back in March. However, given his status as the nation’s all-time leader in caps and 10th highest scorer, he’ll be given a proper sendoff on Thursday, replete with a custom pair of Oranje Nike boots.
A huge thank you to @nikefootball for these unique boots for my last game in the Orange Squad tomorrow #nedper #latestinOrange #gift #proud pic.twitter.com/87VsfKyGd0
— Wesley Sneijder (@sneijder101010) September 5, 2018
The18 Recommends For You
