Mark Schwarzer has retired from his role as Socceroos goalkeeper as new coach Ange Postecoglou announced a new look Australian side to take on Costa Rica later this month.
Schwarzer retires as one of the country’s most celebrated players, a veteran of World Cups in 2006 and 2010 and an integral part of Australia’s resurgence on the international stage.
Considered a lock to start in goal at next year’s World Cup in Brazil, Schwarzer appears to have been forced out the door by the Postecoglou, the home appointed replacement for fired German Holger Osieck.
Postecoglou says otherwise, but it seems as if Australia’s most capped international (109 appearances) was forced out of the door.
“Mark was included in this squad but decided he wanted to announce his retirement and not participate,” Postecoglou told reporters from Sydney.
“I’ve got the utmost respect, firstly for his decision and secondly it would be remiss of me not to pay tribute to him.
“He’s no doubt one of our all-time greats. A great servant, always available to play for his national team, sometimes under difficult circumstances.
“When we talk about character and restoring pride to our national shirt, Mark is right up there.”
Schwarzer had talked about his passion and focus of the Socceroos’ task ahead and his retirement has shocked not only the fans, but teammates as well.
“It’s incredible. I feel it’s a massive surprise from someone that I’ve looked up to my whole career,” Tim Cahill said in an interview with Fox Sports News from New York.
“He’s one of the greatest ambassadors to ever play the game, but most importantly a true gentlemen on and off the park.
“It’s a truly shocking night here in New York for me.”
Cahill towed the company line, saying “players make up their own mind”.
Many seem comfortable handing over the reins to Australia’s young talent, however Schwarzer’s immediate replacement, Borussia Dortmund keeper Mitchell Langerak, was the man in goal during a 6-0 thumping at the hands of France last month, the result that sealed Osieck’s fate as coach.
Left out of Postecoglou’s Socceroos squad to take on Costa Rica on November 19 are veterans Luke Wilkshire (79 caps), Sasa Ognenovski and David Carney. The A-League will be well represented with the likes of Ivan Franjic (Brisbane Roar), Matt McKay (Roar), Mark Milligan (Melbourne Victory) and Michael Zullo (Adelaide United) appearing in the squad.
Socceroos squad v Costa Rica:
Oliver Bozanic, Mark Bresciano, Tim Cahill, Jason Davidson, Ivan Franjic, James Holland, Mile Jedinak, Josh Kennedy, Robbie Kruse, Mitchell Langerak, Matthew Leckie, Ryan McGowan, Matthew McKay, Mark Milligan, Lucas Neill, Tommy Oar, Tom Rogic, Mat Ryan, Dario Vidosic, Rhys Williams, Alex Wilkinson, Michael Zullo.
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