Aussies axe blunder keeper Kalac

Australia coach Guus Hiddink has axed blunder goalkeeper Zeljko Kalac for the Socceroos’ World Cup showdown against Italy.

Kalac, who let in a soft goal against Croatia, was a shock choice ahead of number one Mark Schwarzer of Australia.

The move backfired spectacularly on Hiddink.

The AC Milan reserve keeper let in a long-range shot from Croatian captain Niko Kovac in the 57th minute, which gave the Croatians a 2-1 lead and threatened to cost Australia a place in the knockout stages until Harry Kewell’s late equaliser.

Hiddink confirmed today that Kalac would not be in goal for tomorrow‘s clash against Italy in Kaiserslautern – scene of the Aussies’ memorable 3-1 win over Japan in their opening game.

“Normally I don’t give out the line-up but yes (Schwarzer will be in goal),” Hiddink said.

However Hiddink has other team worries – notably whether Kewell can play again so soon after the Croatia match with his troublesome groin.

He also has the problem of how to replace the versatile Brett Emerton, who is suspended.

After looking short of fitness in the opening game against Japan, Kewell was back to his best against Croatia but was unable to join in Australia’s final training session.

“We will see how his situation is tomorrow, which was the same procedure as before the Croatia game,” Hiddink.

Hiddink admitted he had few options to replace Emerton – the Blackburn player has been one of Australia’s stars with his non-stop running from right-back.

With central defender Tony Popovic ruled out for the rest of the tournament with a calf strain, which could have allowed Lucas Neill to return to right-back in place of Emerton, Hiddink’s options are limited to either bringing in young A-League defender Mark Milligan into the right-back position or pushing midfielder Jason Culina back there.

“I regret the absence of Brett Emerton because he is a very important player for us and we have to find some solutions to that,” Hiddink said.

“That is why I like to play always with a flexible system, with players who must have the ability to play in several spots because if a player is limited in defence or midfield to playing in just one position then you are vulnerable.

“But it’s not easy to replace Brett Emerton because he is giving a lot of energy to this team.

“He is a very athletic player and when you see him running all over the place, not just in the first 15 minutes but in minute 85, then he is one of the fittest players at this World Cup.”