Mark Schwarzer ‘in shock’ over Mitch Langerak’s omission from Socceroos 2022 Qatar World Cup squad

Socceroos great Mark Schwarzer says he is ‘in shock’ over Mitch Langerak’s omission from the Australian World Cup squad – while selected goalkeeper Danny Vukovic insists he doesn’t care what people think of his controversial call-up.

Langerak has had an outstanding season with top Japanese club Nagoya Grampus and was expected to be named with Mat Ryan and Andrew Redmayne as the goalkeeping trio for Qatar. 

Socceroos great Mark Schwarzer (pictured during his playing days for Leicester in the EPL) says he is ‘in shock’ over Mitch Langerak’s omission from the Australian World Cup squad

Langerak (pictured) has had an outstanding season with top Japanese club Nagoya Grampus and was expected to be named with Mat Ryan and Andrew Redmayne as the goalkeeping trio for the World Cup in Qatar, but has sensationally been omitted from the squad

Instead, veteran Central Coast Mariners shot-stopper Danny Vukovic got the nod ahead of Langerak – and it’s left many scratching their heads, including Schwarzer. 

‘I’m in shock – I can’t understand it,’ the legendary goalie told Optus Sport’s GegenPod podcast.

‘[Langerak is] the most in-form Australian goalkeeper playing at the highest level for the last two years minimum, and that’s not being disrespectful.

‘I’m a big fan of Maty Ryan. I think he’s done an incredible job, but he’s not playing consistently every week, and Mitch has been incredible.

‘I just don’t get it. I really do not understand the logic behind him [Langerak] not being there.’

Graham Arnold (pictured) has attracted plenty of criticism for not picking in-form goalkeeper Mitch Langerak ahead of the World Cup in Qatar 

Schwarzer, who is one of the most decorated stars in Socceroo history and played at the 2006 and 2010 World Cups, believes Langerak’s controversial omission defies all common sense.

‘I wholeheartedly believe that Mitch has to be in that squad,’ he said.

‘It’s not even close. I don’t think you can say it was a really tight call. For me, it has to be Maty and Mitch as number one and two and then there’s a decision to make on who you have at number three.’

Meanwhile, Vukovic has responded to critics of his call-up into the squad with a blunt statement. 

‘I don’t care what people say, I don’t care what people think. I’m going to the World Cup,’ said the 37-year-old gloveman. 

Veteran gloveman Danny Vukovic, 37, jumped past Langerak and is on his way to Qatar and says he doesn’t care what critics say or think about the controversial selection

His selection was labelled as ‘jobs for the boys’ by former Socceroo Tommy Oar on Tuesday, but Vukovic believes he earned his spot fair and square.

‘The people that matter the most to me, my friends and family, they’re proud of me and that’s all that matters,’ he said.

‘There’s been a lot of talk about the reserve goalkeeping spot for the World Cup, more so than I think is needed. 26 men have realised a lifelong dream and the focus has been on (the negative), which is disappointing.’ 

Australia face France in their first match in Qatar on Wednesday, November 23 (6am AEDT) before taking on Tunisia (November 26, 9pm) and Denmark (December 1, 2am.)