Socceroos fans relive Schwarzer's shootout heroics of 1993

Football Federation Australia offered fans the chance to relive the Socceroos' thrilling shootout victory over Canada in 1993 - a night Mark Schwarzer will never forget.

Mark Schwarzer reacts after saving a penalty against Canada in 1993

Mark Schwarzer reacts after saving a penalty against Canada in 1993 Source: Socceroos

With Australia chasing the 1994 FIFA World Cup, a 20-year-old Schwarzer stole the headlines, saving two penalties to sink Canada and book a place in the final phase of qualification. 

The Socceroos approached the second leg down 2-1 on aggregate, but managed to end the tie all-square after Frank Farina and Mehmet Durakovic found the back of the net in spectacular fashion during their 2-1 victory.

A tense and tight extra-time period ensued, with the tie locked at 3-3 on aggregate, and while the pressure should have gotten to the inexperienced Schwarzer, some sage advice from then-Socceroos assistant coach Raul Blanco made sure it didn't.

“I had a few words with Raul Blanco before the shootout started and he told me to hold my ground until the last moment,” Schwarzer said after the game.

“The shot from Bunbury wasn’t too far away, Sweeney’s attempt was even closer. I’m stronger on my left side but noticed the first shot was angled to the right and decided to dive that way."

Those two saves helped the Socceroos sink the Canadians 4-1 in the shootout, and fans have since had the chance to sit back and enjoy it all over again.


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By SBS The World Game

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