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Still room for Viduka, says Schwarzer
Posted 55 minutes ago
Updated 44 minutes ago
Schwarzer says a Mark Viduka can still play a part in the World Cup. (Getty Images: Robert Cianflone)
Socceroos goalkeeper Mark Schwarzer says Mark Viduka will be a valuable asset for Australia in the World Cup provided he is still fit and hungry to play at the international level.
After a flawless qualifying campaign, which was capped off with a 2-1 win over Japan on Wednesday night, the spotlight has moved to what squad and structure the Socceroos will select for South Africa.
While Schwarzer and his defence only conceded one goal in its last eight matches, questions have been asked about the attacking third of the pitch.
Tim Cahill was the hero at the MCG with two second half goals to save the Socceroos.
But Schwarzer says the experience and strength of Viduka at the top of the field could be the perfect platform for the Socceroos moving forward, and says the 36-year-old potentially still has an important part to play in the 2010 World Cup.
"Look at the quality that he can bring to any team. You've got to be crazy to say you don't want a fit Mark Viduka, an enthusiastic, determined Mark Viduka in your squad," he said.
"But it is those key words, he needs to be fit, to be determined and hungry, to want to play still.
"There's no point having any player that doesn't really want to be there. You need players that are 100 per cent committed to the cause.
"That's what the key's been throughout this whole campaign, that every single player that's played for the national team and been involved in any of the camps has been 100 per cent committed to the cause.''
If Viduka is not available for the World Cup, Schwarzer says there are plenty of candidates to help Australia find the back of the net.
"There's obviously a lot of debate about what sort of system we play and what the best system is to play.
"If you can have a player of the calibre of Mark Viduka in your squad, you'd take it with open arms.
"But if you don't you've got to get on with it and move on.''
"We've got players like Scott McDonald, Josh Kennedy and Bruce Djite who are more than capable of stepping up to the plate and doing well."
Posted 55 minutes ago
Updated 44 minutes ago
Schwarzer says a Mark Viduka can still play a part in the World Cup. (Getty Images: Robert Cianflone)Socceroos goalkeeper Mark Schwarzer says Mark Viduka will be a valuable asset for Australia in the World Cup provided he is still fit and hungry to play at the international level.
After a flawless qualifying campaign, which was capped off with a 2-1 win over Japan on Wednesday night, the spotlight has moved to what squad and structure the Socceroos will select for South Africa.
While Schwarzer and his defence only conceded one goal in its last eight matches, questions have been asked about the attacking third of the pitch.
Tim Cahill was the hero at the MCG with two second half goals to save the Socceroos.
But Schwarzer says the experience and strength of Viduka at the top of the field could be the perfect platform for the Socceroos moving forward, and says the 36-year-old potentially still has an important part to play in the 2010 World Cup.
"Look at the quality that he can bring to any team. You've got to be crazy to say you don't want a fit Mark Viduka, an enthusiastic, determined Mark Viduka in your squad," he said.
"But it is those key words, he needs to be fit, to be determined and hungry, to want to play still.
"There's no point having any player that doesn't really want to be there. You need players that are 100 per cent committed to the cause.
"That's what the key's been throughout this whole campaign, that every single player that's played for the national team and been involved in any of the camps has been 100 per cent committed to the cause.''
If Viduka is not available for the World Cup, Schwarzer says there are plenty of candidates to help Australia find the back of the net.
"There's obviously a lot of debate about what sort of system we play and what the best system is to play.
"If you can have a player of the calibre of Mark Viduka in your squad, you'd take it with open arms.
"But if you don't you've got to get on with it and move on.''
"We've got players like Scott McDonald, Josh Kennedy and Bruce Djite who are more than capable of stepping up to the plate and doing well."
