Schwarzer at ease with blemish

Australian goalkeeper Mark Schwarzer says he is relieved rather than disappointed that his incredible run of clean sheets for the Qantas Socceroos has finally come to an end.

Australian goalkeeper Mark Schwarzer says he is relieved rather than disappointed that his incredible run of clean sheets for the Qantas Socceroos has finally come to an end.

Schwarzer conceded his first goal in eight matches in the final group stage of Asian qualifying against Japan at the MCG on Wednesday night but in the end it didn't matter as the Qantas Socceroos fought back to win 2-1; thanks to two second-half goals from Tim Cahill.

While both teams had already qualified for the 2010 World Cup Finals in South Africa, the result meant Australia stayed unbeaten in the final group phase and handed Japan its only defeat as the Qantas Socceroos ended five points clear of the Blue Samurai at the top of Group One.

Schwarzer said his incredible run without conceding a goal - some 670 minutes during the final group stage - had to end eventually but he was disappointed it came from a set piece, as Japanese defender Tulio Tanaka headed home unchallenged from a corner in the 40th minute.

But the veteran Aussie custodian said he was glad such a goal happened in what was essentially a dead rubber rather than in the opening game of next year's finals in South Africa.

"It was disappointing to concede that goal and the way in which we conceded that goal because normally we are very, very solid in defence when it comes to set plays," he said.

"So to concede a goal like that was very disappointing but it was inevitable."

"It was going to happen one day and in a way it was a relief because it's over with now."

Schwarzer said the Qantas Socceroos had again showed great character to come from behind and defeat their greatest Asian rival Japan - as they did in the opening game of the 2006 World Cup in Germany.

"It was good to be unbeaten (in the final group stage) regardless of what games you play and to finish top of the group is great for our confidence and a great foundation for the World Cup," he said.

Schwarzer said the entire Australian team and not just himself deserved credit for the fact the Qantas Socceroos conceded just one goal in eight games during the decisive stage of qualifying.

"I am the goalkeeper and trying to stop them (goals) but it's an unbelievable team effort," he said.

"From day one we set our stall out to be a difficult team to beat and if you don't concede goals you have got every chance of winning games."

"And it worked well until this game but then the character in the second half was unbelievable to turn things around."

Schwarzer also praised the efforts of the Qantas Socceroos' two inexperienced full-backs against Japan in first gamer Rhys Williams and second gamer Shane Stefanutto and said the beauty of such a long qualifying campaign through Asia is that it has given manager Pim Verbeek the chance to try many players before he eventually picks his 23-man squad to take to South Africa in a year's time.

"It puts us in a great position because 12 months out from the World Cup we have got a squad of 30 players that have contributed immensely to this campaign," said Schwarzer.