DOHA: Relieved Australian coach Holger Osieck heaped praise on Mark Schwarzer after the stopper made several crucial saves in the Asian Cup victory over Bahrain that took the Socceroos into the quarter-finals.
The veteran Fulham goalkeeper, 38, was in sparkling form on Tuesday evening as Australia topped their group, setting up a clash with either holders Iraq, North Korea or United Arab Emirates.
“We know the quality that Mark has to offer to the team and I’m happy to have him there,” Osieck said after Australia made hard work of a lively Bahrain side.
“He had an excellent performance and made some good saves, especially in the second half.
“He kept us in the game and we must give him credit.”
There was intense speculation that Schwarzer might be on his way to Arsenal in the summer, but the move never materialised.
This will likely be the giant keeper’s final Asian Cup. The next one is in 2015 – in Australia.
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