Among the rising stars to shine at the U-20 World Cup in 1999, including Ronaldinho and Diego Forlan, two callow Spaniards would go on to represent their nation’s senior side more times than anyone else.

Goalkeeper Iker Casillas and playmaker Xavi, who helped Spain win the tournament in Nigeria 14 years ago, reached 150 and 127 caps respectively in Friday’s 2-0 World Cup qualification victory against Finland in Helsinki.

Casillas drew level with former Germany midfielder Lothar Mat-thaeus in 12th place on the all-time list, while Xavi climbed to second on Spain’s appearances ranking above former keeper Andoni Zubizarreta.

Casillas and Xavi play for bitter rivals Real Madrid and Barcelona but have remained firm friends and have been key performers during Spain’s glittering run since their triumph at Euro 2008.

Xavi, 33, remains a fixture for Barca but the 32-year-old Casillas is going through something of a crisis at Real after losing his place in the starting lineup under Jose Mourinho last season.

Mourinho’s successor Carlo Ancelotti has left him on the bench in Real’s opening three La Liga matches.

Spain coach Vicente del Bosque has firmly backed his captain and included him in Helsinki on Friday even with Barca keeper Victor Valdes on excellent form.

The defensive-minded Finns barely tested Casillas but he responded well to the sole moment of real danger, saving with his legs when the ball ricocheted off Sergio Ramos towards goal in the 12th minute.

Del Bosque said he had been more concerned about how to break down Finland’s defence than who would play in goal.

“At this stage of the season it’s not a problem that Iker hasn’t played,” he said.

“He comes from a pre-season during which he had minutes on the pitch, he is working well in training and he was at an excellent level in our latest sessions. We will see what happens in the future.”