Lucas Neill vs Mark Schwarzer
Australia against Australia. The almanac states its case, the crowd votes, you decide.
Lucas Neill
Australia · 2002–11 · CB
- Almanac rating
- 84
- Rank in Australia
- #7 of 33
- Caps
- 96 · 1 goals
- Clubs
- Millwall, Blackburn Rovers, West Ham United
In the last seconds against Italy at Kaiserslautern on 26 June 2006, Neill slid across in front of Fabio Grosso, Grosso went over the top of him, and Totti converted the penalty that put Australia out. He captained his country a record 61 times in 96 caps, led the side at the 2010 World Cup and to the 2011 Asian Cup final, and was part of the Blackburn squad that won the League Cup in 2002. Career record: 96 caps and 1 goals for Australia; club career at Millwall, Blackburn Rovers, West Ham United.
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 2 rating points, 86 against 84.
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