Schwarzer on verge of history

SYDNEY - Reuters

Mark Schwarzer is on the edge of making Australian football history. AP photo

Goalkeeper Mark Schwarzer is set to become the first Australian to win 100 international caps after being named in the Socceroos squad for their World Cup qualifier against Jordan next month.

The 39-year-old Fulham goalkeeper could reach the figure in a Sept. 6 friendly away to Lebanon, five days before the fourth round Group B clash.

“His contribution has been extraordinary over the years,” Australia coach Holger Osieck said of Schwarzer in an interview with the Football Federation of Australia after naming his squad yesterday.

“It is no surprise he is the first to get to the 100 caps mark because he is the role model of the professional and a great personality.”

Australia drew its opening two fourth-round matches to Oman and Asian champions Japan as the Socceroos bid to qualify for their third consecutive World Cup.

As the team looks for its first win in the five-team group, where only two sides are guaranteed a place in Brazil in 2014, Osieck recalled forward Tim Cahill.

Japan leads the group on seven points from three matches with Iraq, Australia and Oman on two points and Jordan last on one.