18 Zeljko Kalac

Posted 07/06/06 23:31
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Kalac - nicknamed 'Spider'.

Position: Goalkeeper
Born: 16.12.72
Club: AC Milan

A towering goalkeeper with great athleticism, Zeljko Kalac enters this summer's tournament as Mark Schwarzer's understudy, despite having played two more games than the Middlesbrough custodian in qualifying.

The 31-year-old, nicknamed 'Spider' because of his large frame, has been part of the international set-up since 1992 and has over 50 caps to his name, making him one of the more experienced players in Guus Hiddink's squad.

Having started out at Sydney United, Kalac got his first shot at European football with English side Leicester but having failed to establish himself there he returned home.

A second chance came when Roda JC recruited him and he grabbed it with both hands, impressing as the unfancied Dutch side reached the last 16 of the UEFA Cup in 2002.

That earnt him a move to Serie A with Perugia and a year after their relegation in 2003/04 he then landed something of a dream move by joining giants AC Milan, albeit as back-up to Brazil international Dida.

If international coaches were to form the perfect back-up goalkeeper, Kalac wouldn't be far off, with his huge experience and undoubted ability making him a valuable squad member.