Brett Emerton vs Mark Schwarzer
Australia against Australia. The almanac states its case, the crowd votes, you decide.
Brett Emerton
Australia · 2000–04 · CM
- Almanac rating
- 83
- Rank in Australia
- #10 of 33
- Caps
- 95 · 20 goals
- Clubs
- Feyenoord Rotterdam, Blackburn Rovers, Sydney
The Olyroos went into their home Olympics in Sydney in September 2000 with Emerton, 21, wearing the armband. The UEFA Cup came in 2002, a booking against Inter keeping him out of the final Feyenoord won in their own stadium, and he added OFC Nations Cups in 2000 and 2004, Oceania Footballer of the Year in 2002, eight seasons at Blackburn and 95 caps with 20 goals. Career record: 95 caps and 20 goals for Australia; club career at Feyenoord Rotterdam, Blackburn Rovers, Sydney.
Mark Schwarzer
Australia · 2004–10 · GK
- Almanac rating
- 86
- Rank in Australia
- #4 of 33
- Caps
- 109 · 0 goals
- Clubs
- Marconi Stallions, Middlesbrough, Fulham
- Honours
- Hall of Fame 2009
On 16 November 2005 at Telstra Stadium, with Australia's 32-year wait for a World Cup on the line, he saved two Uruguayan penalties in the shootout and John Aloisi buried the last kick. He played 109 times for Australia across two World Cups, won the 2004 League Cup that remains Middlesbrough's only major trophy, reached the 2010 Europa League final with Fulham and made 514 Premier League appearances, the first player from outside Britain and Ireland past 500. Career record: 109 caps and 0 goals for Australia; club career at Marconi Stallions, Middlesbrough, Fulham; honours include Hall of Fame 2009.
The verdict
The almanac puts Mark Schwarzer ahead by 3 rating points, 86 against 83.
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