It was on 30th April, 2003 that a young 21 year old Spaniard named Xabi Alonso was called up by manager Iñaki Sáez for Spain's International friendly against Ecuador. Alonso started in the game, which ended in a 4-0 victory for Spain.
He was then named in the UEFA Euro 2004 Spain squad, which was to be held in Portugal. The Spanish midfielder was a substitute in the win over Russia, and then subsequently started the defeat to Portugal. It was a disappointing tournament for Spain and Alonso, as they eventually crashed out after the group stage.
His next major chapter in international football came in 2006, as the 2006 FIFA World Cup was held in Germany. The tournament marked his first milestone international moment, as Alonso scored Spain's first goal of the tournament, which was also his first international goal. This unforgettable feat came against Ukraine, on 14th June 2006. Spain went on to win all their remaining games of the group stage, but all the positive momentum came to a crashing halt as they were knocked out by eventual finalists France in the first knockout stage.
Despite suffering yet another heartbreak, Alonso was just about to begin a legendary phase of his Spanish international career.
Beginning of a golden era
2008 was a disappointing year at club-level for Alonso, as Liverpool finished the season without any silverware. However, Euro 2008 was on the horizon and thus there was one final hope for the Spaniard. Alonso was primarily on the substitutes bench for Spain, but he still earned the opportunity to captain Spain for their final group stage fixture against Greece. The decision to rest key players is what led to this chance. Alonso seized the moment with both hands, earning the man of the match award after the game. Despite those heroics, Spain's outstanding squad quality meant that he could not attain a starting position in the team. Spain went on to make history, as they ended up winning the tournament. They won the final 1-0 against Germany. It was Alonso's first major international title as well, with the Spaniard featuring in four of their six matches to help them achieve history.
The next major tournament for Alonso and Spain was the 2009 Confederations Cup held in South Africa. Spain managed to reach the semis, where they were surprisingly knocked out by the United States. They faced hosts South Africa in a third-place play-off match, where Alonso scored a 107th minute free-kick to help his side win 3-2.
The dream run
The pinnacle of Alonso's international career came in 2010. He established himself as a starter for Spain by this time, joining with the likes of Xavi and Sergio Busquets in a midfield three for the Spaniards. Alonso and his teammates went on to make history, as Spain reached all the way till the finals and beat Netherlands 1-0 to become World Champions.
2 years later, Spain were looking to continue their golden momentum in UEFA Euro 2012. Alonso went on to have an unforgettable performance in his 100th Spain appearance on 23th June 2012. The former Liverpool midfielder scored a brace to help Spain beat France in the quarter-finals. Although they had a penalty saved in the semi-final shootout against Portugal, they managed to win the shootout 4-2. Spain and Alonso reached yet another final, with Italy being their opponents this time. History was made yet again, as Spain destroyed Italy 4-0 to win the final. It was Alonso's third major title win with Spain.
The 2014 FIFA World Cup was Alonso's final international tournament, where Spain shockingly got knocked out from the group stages.
He eventually retired from international football on 27th August 2014. Alonso left the stage as one of Spain's finest ever midfielders, and a key player of their unforgettable golden generation.
