World Cup in son's hands

Hans Joachim Schwarzer will be eagerly watching his son, Socceroo goalkeeper Mark Schwarzer, in action in the World Cup.

Bruce Thomas

Poll

Who do you think will win the 2010 World Cup

This poll ended on 30 September 2011.

Australia

20%

New Zealand

32%

South Africa

13%

England

3%

France

3%

Germany

6%

Argentina

3%

Brazil

6%

Mexico

0%

USA

0%

Japan

1%

Korea

0%

Spain

5%

Other

3%

This is not a scientific poll. The results reflect only the opinions of those who chose to participate.

AS WORLD Cup fever grips the globe, the entire nation’s fate may just rest in the hands of a Coffs Harbour man's son.

From his Toormina home yesterday Hans Joachim Schwarzer – the father of Socceroo goalkeeper Mark Schwarzer – said he was expecting plenty of sleepless nights this month as his son leads Australia’s charge.

Mr Schwarzer is naturally an ardent Socceroo fan and is counting down the minutes until his son walks onto sport’s biggest stage when the Australians take on Germany Monday morning.

“Go the Socceroos, I say . . . all the way,” the proud German-born dad said.

“I’ve kept in touch with Mark via internet phone and he’s expecting Australia to pull off the upset of the tournament on Monday.”

And how does Mr Schwarzer feel about the popular opinion that his son is one of the best goalkeepers in the world?

“That’s not for a dad to say,” he says with a cheeky grin.

The World Cup kicks off tonight with the opening ceremony followed by host nation South Africa taking on Mexico in Johannesburg.