International Career
Shortly after making his league debuts with Ajax, Maduro gained his first cap for the Netherlands on 26 March 2005, in a 2006 FIFA World Cup qualifier against Romania. He was picked for the final squad-of-23 by national team manager Marco van Basten (also his coach in Ajax's youth system), appearing four minutes in the 0–0 group stage draw against Argentina, in an eventual round of 16 exit.
In 2007, despite already having amassed 12 senior caps, Maduro took part in the UEFA European Under-21 Football Championship which was held in the Netherlands, and scored the competition's first goal when the Jong Oranje beat Israel 1–0. He also played in the second match, a 2–1 win against Portugal which secured a semifinal spot and qualification to the Olympic tournament.
In the semifinals against England (1–1 after 120 minutes), Maduro successfully converted his penalty shootout attempt, as Holland won it 13–12 after 32 shots. The Dutch went on to retain their 2006 title by beating Serbia 4–1 in the final, and he was named in the 'UEFA Team of the Tournament'.
Read more about this topic: Hedwiges Maduro
Famous quotes containing the word career:
“A black boxer’s career is the perfect metaphor for the career of a black male. Every day is like being in the gym, sparring with impersonal opponents as one faces the rudeness and hostility that a black male must confront in the United States, where he is the object of both fear and fascination.”
—Ishmael Reed (b. 1938)