Schwarzer set for landmark Australia century
Reuters - Wednesday 29 August 2012, 09:33
Goalkeeper Mark Schwarzer is set to
become the first Australian to win 100 international caps after
being named in the Socceroos squad for their World Cup qualifier
against Jordan next month.
The 39-year-old Fulham goalkeeper could reach the figure in
a September 6 friendly away to Lebanon, five days before the fourth
round Group B clash.
"His contribution has been extraordinary over the years,"
Australia coach Holger Osieck said of Schwarzer in an interview
with the Football Federation of Australia after naming his squad
on Wednesday.
"It is no surprise he is the first to get to the 100 caps
mark because he is the role model of the professional and a
great personality."
Australia drew their opening two fourth-round matches away
to Oman and at home to Asian champions Japan as they bid to
qualify for their third consecutive World Cup.
As they look for their first win in the five-team group,
where only two sides are guaranteed a place in Brazil in 2014,
Osieck recalled forward Tim Cahill to the squad after he missed
the friendly loss to Scotland earlier this month.
Also returning is South Korea-based midfielder Matt McKay to
a familiar looking 22-man squad, once again led by defender
Lucas Neill.
Japan lead the group on seven points from three matches with
Iraq, Australia and Oman on two points and Jordan last on one.
Jordan suffered a humiliating 6-0 away defeat by Japan in
June but have proven tricky to beat at their home ground in
Amman.