Mark Schwarzer ‘in shock’ over Mitch Langerak’s omission from Socceroos 2022 Qatar World Cup squad
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Australia’s greatest goalkeeper, Mark Schwarzer, is ‘in shock’ at the omission of Mitch Langerak from Socceroos World Cup roster – while Danny Vukovic criticizes his Qatar call-up
- Mark Schwarzer is ‘in shock’ about Mitch Langerak’s stump from World Cup team
- Schwarzer: Langerak has been the most in shape keeper for two years
- Danny Vukovic says he doesn’t care what critics say – he’s going to Qatar
Socceroos great Mark Schwarzer says he is ‘in shock’ at the omission of Mitch Langerak from Australia’s World Cup squad – while selected goalkeeper Danny Vukovic insists he doesn’t care what people think of his controversial call.
Langerak has had an excellent season with top Japanese club Nagoya Grampus and would be named as the goalkeeper trio for Qatar along with Mat Ryan and Andrew Redmayne.
Socceroos great Mark Schwarzer (pictured during his playing days for Leicester in the EPL) says he is ‘in shock’ at the omission of Mitch Langerak from Australia’s World Cup squad
Langerak (pictured) has had an excellent season with top Japanese club Nagoya Grampus and would be named along with Mat Ryan and Andrew Redmayne as the goalkeeper trio for the World Cup in Qatar, but has been sensationally left out of the roster
Instead, veteran Central Coast Mariners shot stopper Danny Vukovic got the nod for Langerak — and it left many scratching their heads, including Schwarzer.
“I’m in shock – I can’t understand,” the legendary goalkeeper told Optus Sport’s GegenPod podcast.
‘[Langerak is] the most in shape Australian goalkeeper to have played at the highest level for the past two years, and that is not disrespectful.
“I’m a huge fan of Maty Ryan. I think he’s done a great job but he doesn’t play consistently every week and Mitch has been incredible.
‘I just don’t get it. I really don’t understand the logic behind him [Langerak] are not there.’
Graham Arnold (pictured) has been criticized for not choosing in-form goalkeeper Mitch Langerak for the World Cup in Qatar
One of the most decorated stars in Socceroo history and played in the 2006 and 2010 World Cups, Schwarzer believes Langerak’s controversial omission defies common sense.
‘I am convinced that Mitch should be in that squad,’ he said.
“It’s not even close. I don’t think you can say it was a really tight conversation. For me it has to be Maty and Mitch as number one and two and then a decision has to be made about who you have at number three.’
Meanwhile, Vukovic has responded to critics of his appeal to the squad with a blunt statement.
“I don’t care what people say, I don’t care what people think. I’m going to the World Cup,” said the 37-year-old glovemaker.
Veteran gloveman Danny Vukovic, 37, jumped by Langerak and is on his way to Qatar, saying he doesn’t care what critics say or think about the controversial roster
His selection was labeled ‘jobs for the boys’ by former Socceroo Tommy Oar on Tuesday, but Vukovic believes he has fairly deserved his spot.
“The people who are most important to me, my friends and family, they are proud of me and that’s all that matters,” he said.
“There has been a lot of talk about the reserve goalkeeper position for the World Cup, more than I think is necessary. 26 men have realized a lifelong dream and the focus is on (the negative), which is disappointing.’
Australia will face France in their first game in Qatar on Wednesday, November 23 (6:00 AM AEDT), before taking on Tunisia (November 26, 9:00 PM) and Denmark (December 1, 2:00 AM) .