Just hours before new coach Ange Postecoglou was set to name his first Socceroos squad, veteran goalkeeper Mark Schwarzer has reportedly announced his retirement from international football, effective immediately.
It’s not exactly a surprise retirement from Schwarzer, who is not only on the wrong side of 30 but also now on the wrong side of 40.
But at the same time, the decision does come as somewhat of a shock to the system—especially with the 2014 World Cup in Brazil still to come. Schwarzer played a vital role in achieving qualification for the Socceroos and would no doubt have loved to take part in another tournament.
Perhaps he would have even liked to close the curtain on his career in Brazil.
Yet whatever the case — a shock retirement or not — there’s no doubt that Schwarzer made the right move in stepping down at the time that he did.
Like he had done time and time again throughout his career, Schwarzer put the team and the plans for football in Australia ahead of himself.
The hero in Australia’s qualification through to the World Cup in 2006 and one who very nearly catapulted the Socceroos past Italy on that fateful day, Schwarzer was never one to steal the headlines and deflect attention away from the team.
Which is why — just hours before Postecoglou names his first squad — the decision, and announcement, was made by the veteran shot-stopper.
With Postecoglou at the helm, Australian football is embarking on a new period in its history. That doesn’t mean for a second that there can’t be experienced players in the squad, but it does mean that planning for the future is the ultimate priority.
Schwarzer, now 41, simply doesn’t fit that bill, but instead of putting Postecoglou in a tough place with whether to play him or another up-and-coming stars, he seemingly took that decision away from the coach.
He put the team first — even when it came to his retirement.
There’ll no doubt be accolades and kind words flowing in for the most-capped player in Australian international history, and Schwarzer most certainly deserves them. Since making his debut in 1993 he has been a stalwart at the back and one who has done more than his fair share to carry this team to where it is today.
It seems unjust and perhaps even wrong to be heading to the World Cup next year without the now Chelsea goalkeeper, but that’s exactly what’ll happen.
Mitch Langerak and Mat Ryan will be the two main goalkeepers in Brazil (along with Eugene Galekovic), and that trio will ultimately form a new platform at the back for Australia.
Replacing a player as talented on and off the field as Schwarzer was won’t be easy, but the recent friendlies against the likes of France and Canada in particular showed that this country’s future between the goals is still bright,
Which, really, is all that Schwarzer really wanted to show all along.
Cameron
Roar Guru
For Australia? Which is a given, given he's Australian or the EPL? For an Australian I think opinions will vary, EPL I would agree.
Cameron
Roar Guru
I'll try again... Dan, I disagree with you i'm sorry! I do not agree with this "Like he had done time and time again throughout his career, Schwarzer put the team and the plans for football in Australia ahead of himself." He would never give up his spot, nor should he had to of but to say what you have suggested, is in my opinion, wrong. If that's ok with the Mods or people reading. I'm sure I read much worse on codewar articles.
Radelaide
Guest
Here here!!!
Francis Curro
Roar Pro
Yeh well done Schwarzer. He has pretty much got us into three world cups and been man of the match in most of the games. We have a long list of replacements however, lets see who steps up.
fadida
Guest
Brilliant servant. Always brought a sense of security when you saw his name on the team sheet. Unlike Kalac :)
Aka
Guest
Actually a few did retire with some grace or little fanfare. Moore, Popovic, Aloisi, Grella, Viduka, Kalac, Chipperfield, Vidmar, Skoko, Culina. In my opinion everyone is entitled to fight for their spot as long as they like. What irks me is when individuals start thinking the Socceroos is their team in terms of ownership rather than belonging and when they demand youngsters show 'them' hunger as though people are accountable to them. Mark has made some very high profile saves in playoff games but also many equally important saves in 'run of the mill' qualifiers that could very well have been just as important. I remember him shedding a tear when we were the 'first' team qualified for South Africa. He said people just didn't realise how tough it was.
Andy
Guest
Cheers for the service Mark. Would have been nice for a send off game in Oz as you have done us all proud. Best to jump before you are pushed. Hopefully you go on to other great things.
peeeko
Roar Guru
I can confirm that, my cousin as been one of understudies at the socceroos and he has been a great help nd assistance to the next generation
langou
Roar Guru
In my opinion. He is the greatest player we have ever produced. From all reports one of the better blokes as well. Thanks Mark
Matt F
Roar Guru
No doubt there will be speculation regarding the reason for the decision, particularly given the timing, but it really doesn't matter. He retires as an absolute icon of the game in Australia. Well done Mark and thanks for the memories
DJW
Guest
Thanks for a great career Schwarzer. An Australian football legend.
Steve
Guest
Lucas Neill wont retire after the Costa Rica game. He still thinks he is the best Centre Back Australia has. Lucas Neill doesn't have the required class to retire gracefully. Ange is going to have to push him out like he did with the Brisbane Roar old guard.
Stevo
Guest
Thanks Mark for a wonderful career in the green and gold. Legend. Now expecting Neil to say he'll hang up his boots after the Costa Rica game - he'll get a warm send off no doubt.
Midfielder
Guest
Respect
Australian Rules
Guest
A giant of Australian soccer and of our national team. It was Schwarzer, not Aloisi, who broke the drought in 2005. Champion.
Robbie Mase
Guest
What a shame. He has done what most of the older generation couldn't do, retired gracefully. He will be missed but what a legacy he will have. Thank you.
kurt
Guest
greatest goalkeeper (if not footballer) this country has produced
JonJax
Guest
Schwarzer- is a class act! I was there when he saved two penalties against Canada in 1993 and "deja vu all over again", in the second leg of the World Cup Qualifier against Uruguay in 2005. Schwazer should have been national team captain for the 2010 campaign! Thank you Mark!
Greg
Guest
Well done Mark; what a fantastic career and what a fantastic goalkeeper. Thanks for all the saves mate.
Jorji Costava
Guest
A classic example of jumping before you are pushed. Will miss Schwarzer. He has been there since that famous qualifier against Canada in 1993 at the SFS. What an amazing career.