Having played his part in Australia qualifying for back-to-back World Cups for the first time in their history, Fulham’s rock of a goalkeeper, Mark Schwarzer, is determined to help his country enjoy another memorable tournament.
After a 32-year absence from international football’s greatest stage, the Socceroos made a strong statement of intent by reaching the knockout phase of the 2006 World Cup in Germany – thwarted only by a last-minute goal from eventual champions Italy.
Having recorded their highest ever FIFA ranking of 14th last year, Schwarzer has been a colossus during the qualifiers, conceding just two goals in 13 appearances. Praised for their defensive capabilities, they attained a record run of eight matches unbeaten en route to the Rainbow Nation.
“This is a special competition for any player,” explains Mark, who has enjoyed particular success from World Cup involvement over the past five or six seasons. “It’s a nice opportunity for a player to represent their country, and it doesn’t get much bigger than doing that at a World Cup.
“There has been a bit of history created in recent years for Australia, what with the dramatic way that we qualified for the 2006 tournament. Having played my part in that penalty shootout win against Uruguay, it does get magnified quite a lot.
“It was great to be part of the side that reached the finals for what was the first time in more than 30 years and then, of course, progressing to the knockout round. All of that added to the euphoria and experience – and that will stay with me for the rest of my life. Hopefully, this summer we can go out to South Africa and emulate that success.”
Four years on, the Socceroos are battle-hardened and experienced. This time there was no need for a dramatic intercontinental play-off, as they took part in the lengthy Asian Zone of qualifying, breezing through their opening pool, before impressing further in the final group stage, sealing qualification with two games to spare.
Qualification has seen them drawn in the daunting Group D, where Schwarzer’s Australia play one of the favourites Germany, dark horses Serbia and, of course, John Pantsil’s hopeful Ghana.
“It’s an interesting draw for me,” says Mark. “I have German heritage, so the opening game will be, personally, a momentous occasion. I played against Germany at the 2005 Confederations Cup, and that was a huge honour.
“I feel the same having been drawn against them at this summer’s World Cup and it’s a game that I am very much looking forward to. We’re talking about one of the best footballing nations on the planet.
“Of course, I’m also looking forward to playing against Johnny Pantsil, which makes it exciting also - we’ve already been involved in some gentle banter. But hopefully we can both win our first game and, fingers crossed, we can both progress to the knockout stage.
“It is a tough group, but we overcame a similar task four years ago, where we were in the same group as Brazil, Croatia and Japan. For me, there are a lot of similarities between those teams.
“We did well in 2006, so let’s take from that – I don’t think we have anything to fear. We’ll probably start as the underdog, but that’s not such a bad thing, because the pressure will be on the other teams.
“What I will say though, is that we are very focused and that there is an excellent attitude within the team. Because of that I think we have every chance.”
Mark was speaking exclusively to Fultime Magazine. To read the full interview and the rest of a World Cup special featuring Clint Dempsey, John Pantsil, Dickson Etuhu, Kaghisho Dikgacoi, George Cohen, Paul Parker and Ray Houghton, plus reflection on an unforgettable season at Fulham, see this summer’s publication, delivered to Season Ticket Holders and Members this week, or available from Club stores for just £3.50. Alternatively buy your copy online today!|
