Cahill’s Cup Heroics Have Socceroos on Track to be Asian Champions

More magic from the man that should surely be our next Prime Minister has sent the Socceroos 1 step closer to becoming Champions of Asia. Tim Cahill’s Cup heroics against China in the Quarter Finals means Australia are now just 2 wins away from claiming the Silverware for the first time. But we’ve been in this position in the past, heck we’ve even made the final before losing to our old foe Japan; so let’s not get ahead of ourselves and start engraving Australia’s name on the trophy. Let’s celebrate the Socceroos success so far but recognise nothing’s been achieved yet.

Australia Climb the Great Wall of China

It took patience determination and another wonder goal from Cahill but the Socceroos eventually managed to overcome China, under the pressure of a home nation expecting them to succeed. China edged the opening minutes but lacked a cutting edge in the final third before the hosts found their rhythm midway through the first half. Captain Mile Jedinak and defender Trent Sainsbury both failed to breakthrough with headed attempts while Mathew Leckie was foiled by Chinese goalkeeper Wang Dalei from close range as the match remained deadlocked at half time.

Cometh the man cometh the hour – but Tim Cahill didn’t even wait for the 60 minute mark to produce the moment of the tournament to date. Just minutes after play resumed the forward displayed awareness then amazing acrobatics producing a brilliant to bicycle kick to give his side the lead. The Stunning strike saw Suncorp Stadium erupt while the pressure valve was released on Ange Postecoglou’s team.

Australia were on top but Mark Bresciano blazed his golden chance over the bar before you know who bagged his brace in the 64th minute. Cahill Converted Jason Davidson’s cross into the box more conventionally for his second goal, perfectly placing a powerful header from 12 yards. China couldn’t recover as their Cup dreams slipped away while Cahill received a standing ovation on his exit late in the game.

Another Classic Cahill Moment

Australia’s all-time leading goal scorer now has 39 goals for the Socceroos but few have been as sublime as the Bicycle. The goal rivals his wonder volley against Holland in the World Cup which was one of the best on last year’s international stage. But Cahill’s latest ‘worldy’ was no fluke, in 2007 he scored an overhead kick against Chelsea while playing for Everton; another memorable moment the Aussie has delivered. So Mr Cahill what next?

Tournament Tim – Cahill Comes Alive When it Matters

At 35 years old you could forgive Cahill for not being Australia’s go to player but in what is likely his last major competition for the Socceroos the former English Premier League star has is delivering yet again. He’s a player for the big tournaments having netted 5 times at 3 different World Cups, including Australia’s first ever World Cup goal in Germany in 2006. He’s also now has 6 Asian Cup goals; 2 in the 2011 tournament and one from Australia’s first involvement in 2007 to go along with 3 in 2015 so far.

So can we call on Tim again in the Semi Finals and hopefully the decider? To be honest Australian’s won’t care who scores the goals that gives us the Asian Cup as long as we win it, but the Socceroos main man may still have something special left in his locker if his nation requires.