Introducing the first instalment of the exclusive 100 Subway Socceroos club, where we look at the incredible career of Mark Schwarzer.
The iconic goalkeeper is the highest capped Socceroo and is one of only two players to have reached the centurion milestone for their country.
However, it was not until the early 2000s before the gloveman established himself as the number one.
International career: 1993-2013
Caps: 109
Clean sheets: 44
The journey to 100 appearances
Schwarzer’s international career began way back in July 1993 as a 20-year-old in a FIFA World Cup Play-off against Canada. His time with Australia spanned two decades with his last appearance for the national team occurring in September 2013 against Brazil.
One of the most decorated Subway Socceroos of all time, Schwarzer was a key figure from Australia’s ‘Golden Generation’ which culminated in qualifying for the 2006 FIFA World Cup, breaking a 32-year drought in the process. He along with a host of other influential players were pivotal in the resurgence of the Green and Gold. Schwarzer represented Australia at a pair of FIFA World Cups and AFC Asian Cups.
Known for his excellent shot-stopping ability, Schwarzer was also an adequate passer with his feet during a time (the 1990s and mid 2000s) when there was less of an emphasis to play out from the back compared to the present. The former Middlesborough and Fulham star was also strong in the air, adept at claiming crosses.
Schwarzer, who made over 500 English Premier League appearances, also holds the record for most Australia clean sheets with 44.
Iconic moments
1993
In the return leg of the FIFA World Cup 1994 qualifier against Canada he saved two penalties in the shootout as the Aussies advanced to the next round and a date with Argentina.
2005
Schwarzer made two memorable saves in Australia’s penalty shootout win over Uruguay to help Australia secure its ticket to Germany.
2006
At the age of 33, Schwarzer appeared at his inaugural FIFA World Cup and started three of the Subway Socceroos’ four matches against Japan, Brazil and Italy.
2010
The goalkeeper would feature in his second major tournament, this time in South Africa and played in all three group matches.
2021
Inducted into the Football Australia Hall of Fame, capping off a stellar career.