TIM CAHILL will have to go some to better his impact at the last World Cup. But then the Everton man and his Australian team-mates have made a habit of defying expectation.
Cahill’s name will forever be etched in the Socceroos history books after four years ago becoming the first player to score for his country at the World Cup.
Having failed to find the net in their previous finals appearance in 1974, Australia were seemingly on their way to defeat in their opener against Japan in 2006 when Cahill emerged from the bench to score twice in the final six minutes and help turn a 1-0 reverse into a 3-1 triumph.
It was, of course, no surprise to Everton supporters, with Cahill’s reputation as the man for the big occasion earning him the nickname ‘Johnny on the spot’ from Goodison manager David Moyes.
That Cahill was involved in those finals in Germany at all was testament to his drive and determination having suffered knee ligament damage barely two months earlier.
Now, though, the midfielder is free from injury and bolstered by four goals in his final seven games for Everton this season.
“I know I was lucky to play in the last World Cup,” admits Cahill. “Basically, I did my posterior (knee ligament) and the physio said I had no chance. I was lucky that with good strapping and good physio they got me out there.
“But now I’m going to a World Cup fully fit. It’s the opportunity of a lifetime to make something special for Australia.”
Cahill’s importance to the Australian set-up under coach Pim Verbeek has risen given the retirement of Mark Viduka and injury problems of Harry Kewell.
But far from being fazed by the extra responsibility, the 30-year-old simply takes it in his stride.
“I just take it as a compliment,” says Cahill. “I wouldn’t be part of Australia’s World Cup squad if I wasn’t playing great domestically and internationally.
“Australia needs leaders and there are a lot of leaders in this team. If that is passed on to me then I accept it because it’s a responsibility we deserve because we play at some of the biggest clubs in the world.
“There are expectations on our shoulders and without being overly confident, you have to try and fulfil people’s dreams.”
There is no doubt the Socceroos face a tough challenge to reach the knockout stages again after being drawn alongside Germany, Serbia and Ghana.
Along with Cahill, the likes of Harry Kewell, Lucas Neill, Brett Emerton, Vince Grella, Craig Moore and Mark Schwarzer will once again spearhead the team’s charge but, with all past their 30th birthday, the fear is that while Verbeek’s troops have four years more experience they are also four years slower.
Cahill, though, expects Australia’s fitness to prove one of their strong points.
“We have to concentrate on being one of the fittest teams in the competition because after 80 minutes is when I feel a lot of the football’s going to be won,” he says.
“We’ve got that in abundance and the main focal point is keeping the majority of the team fit.”
If Australia do progress to the knockout stages, they could face a tie with England. And who would bet against Cahill and co defying convention then once again?
