Mark Bresciano vs Mark Schwarzer
Australia against Australia. The almanac states its case, the crowd votes, you decide.
Mark Bresciano
Australia · 2004–15 · CM
- Almanac rating
- 84
- Rank in Australia
- #8 of 33
- Caps
- 84 · 13 goals
- Clubs
- Empoli, Parma Calcio 1913, Palermo
Thirty-five minutes into the Uruguay playoff in Sydney on 16 November 2005, the ball dropped to Bresciano six yards out and he put it into the roof of the net, then stood dead still with his fists clenched while Telstra Stadium came apart. The 2015 Asian Cup came a decade later, along with the 2004 OFC Nations Cup, a runners-up medal from the 2011 final, and 84 caps with 13 goals, sixth on Australia's all-time list. Career record: 84 caps and 13 goals for Australia; club career at Empoli, Parma Calcio 1913, Palermo.
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.
Fans have not settled this one yet. Cast the first vote in the duels.