To see the Roos' post-match recovery...

 

If as expected Schwarzer plays against Japan in Saturday night's (Sunday morning local) Asian Cup final, it will be cap number 88 in the green and gold. This will break defender Alex Tobin’s record of 87.

It also has the keeper within reach of the magic 100 caps milestone.

Schwarzer’s former Australian club Marconi Stallions will recognise the 88-cap milestone with a special Asian Cup final party at their premises in Sydney’s west.

Schwarzer joined Marconi as a 14 year old and rose to prominence through their youth league program.

The big keeper made his NSL debut in 1990-91 and became first choice keeper in 1991-92. At the same time fellow Socceroos Harry Kewell and Brett Emerton were playing in Marconi’s Youth League that year.

Schwarzer played 58 NSL games before his move to Dynamo Dressden in 1994.

He made his international debut for Australia against Canada in Edmonton in a 1994 World Cup qualifier while playing for Marconi.

He came on as a substitute for Milan Blagojevic (also of Marconi) after first-choice goalkeeper Robert Zabica was sent off.

In the return leg in SydneynSchwarzer covered himself in glory when he saved two penalties to send Australia to the final phase of qualifying against Argentina.

“Schwarzy has a special place in our hearts here at Marconi and so we feel it’s only right that we put on  a night not only for one of the biggest games ever for the  Socceroos, but for Mark himself and his impending milestone,” Paul Saliba, Marconi football boss, told au.fourfourtwo.com.

“It will be a great to host as many former Marconi players and former Socceroos, especially those that played alongside Schwarzy and others that contributed to his football education on the night at our club.

“At 38, he shows no sign of slowing down.”

To see the Roos' post-match recovery...