The Australian Socceroos during a training session at Ballymore. AAP Image/Dave Hunt
The third and final installment of my overview of the prospective Socceroos World Cup squad concludes with a look at the goalkeeping candidates.
Mark Schwarzer is the unassailable and undisputed number one, which is markedly different from the situation he found himself in at Germany four years ago. He’s in career best form and is one of Australia’s few world class players.
If Pim is genuine in his stated view that the gap between the A-League and international football is too great, the reserves will all be playing their football overseas. The candidates are Brad Jones, Adam Federici, Ante Covic and Michael Petkovic.
It’s difficult to know where Pim’s thinking is on this one, as Schwarzer’s continued availability has not given any of the reserve keepers a chance to play. What then can we can read into the omission of Covic and Petkovic from the squad to play Kuwait? Their leagues are on a break, and if they were genuine contenders you would think they would have been included, perhaps even been first choice to play.
It makes me think that Pim may have already penciled in Federici and Jones. Federici’s form for Reading has been solid, while Jones has recently lost his place in a Middlesbrough side sliding down the Championship table.
Eugene Galekovich is almost certain to start this week in Kuwait, and has been one of the best keepers in the A-League for the last few seasons. A move to Europe in January and regular game time are essential for his prospects. Still he remains a very long shot.
I reckon one of the reserve spots is up for grabs, especially if Jones fails to regain his position at Middlesbrough. Assuming he does get back, the Socceroos goalkeepers will be:
21. Mark Schwarzer
22. Adam Federici
23. Brad Jones
Otherwise, you will probably see Petkovic in the last goalkeeper slot at Jones’ expense.
Thanks to everyone who commented on Parts One and Two. Have a great 2010; may it bring a great showing from the Socceroos in South Africa, the promise of a World Cup in Australia in 2022 and Brett Holman scoring a brace against Germany.
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