Schwarzer eyes off Uzbeks
04/09/2008 5:43 PM
Veteran goalkeeper Mark Schwarzer is expecting a stern test when the Socceroos face Uzbekistan in their Asian World Cup qualifier next week.
The Socceroos will tackle Uzbekistan in their fourth-round Asian World Cup qualifier on Thursday in what looms as a tricky away fixture against a talented line-up.
Uzbekistan opened the most recent phase of the qualification campaign with four wins and was the first nation through to the final group of 10.
Prior to the Uzbekistan clash, Schwarzer was expecting plenty of work between the sticks when the Socceroos play the Netherlands in a friendly in Eindhoven on Sunday.
"They (the Netherlands) are a very strong side and did very well at the Euros," Schwarzer said.
"We like to go into friendlies with the attitude of wanting to win every game, but our focus is on the game on Wednesday against Uzbekistan."
Schwarzer recently completed an off-season move from Middlesbrough to Fulham in the English Premier League and has helped his new club to an impressive start in the new season which included a 1-0 victory over Arsenal at home.
While the 35-year-old was enjoying his time at his new club in London, he still has one eye on Australia's domestic competition.
"I try to catch the Hyundai A-League highlights in England," Schwarzer said.
"I think it (the A-League) is improving all the time, and it's important it does that."