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Tim Cahill leaves best for last

Jun 19, 2014
Cahill celebrates his spectacular goal against The Netherlands. AFP image

Cahill celebrates his spectacular goal against The Netherlands. AFP image

Tim Cahill certainly knows how to save the best for last.

In his final World Cup appearance, the veteran striker scored arguably his most impressive goal in a Socceroos shirt.

The goal – a stunning left-footed volley – was a stinging reply to Arjen Robben’s opener for the Netherlands.

It sparked one of the the Socceroos’ gutsiest ever showings, prompting Cahill to declare the current side as the best he’s ever played in.

The Socceroos went on to lose 3-2 to all but end their Brazil campaign but for Cahill the match will forever be a career highlight.

Scroll down for full player ratings

Cahill has now scored more World Cup goals than Cristiano Ronaldo, Lionel Messi and Wayne Rooney combined.

“When you look at your idols like Marco van Basten and even Robin van Persie, they’re the sort of goals they score,” Cahill said.

“You dream as a kid for these opportunities.

“At home in my garden I score like that everyday but this is what’s it’s all about.

“When the ball was flying over normally people expect me to jump and head that from 18 yards but it just sat so beautifully off the shoulder of the defender and I struck it and it went in.

“Football is all about these moments and what better place to do it that in the home of football in Brazil.”

The 34-year-old was full of praise for the relatively young and inexperienced Socceroos side who weren’t rated a chance against the Dutch who had dismantled world champions Spain 5-1 last week.

“I’ve always said we need to be fearless and not take a backward step and regardless of going down 1-0 I though we had the game.

“I’m so proud of this team – the kids. It’s probably one of the best Socceroos teams I’ve ever been a part.

“We know our jobs, we don’t lose sight of the tactics and what we have to do and the way we build up.

“I understand that today we conceded three goals but we conceded three goals against a team that’s just beat Spain by more.

“I’m very proud because this is my last World Cup and I wanted to leave everything here and as a nation we’ve really earned the respect of the world today.

“So we’ll see what we can do against Spain because we’re not going to take a backward step.”

Cahill drew the first yellow card of the match, clattering into Dutch defender Bruno Martins Indi who needed to be stretched off.

Having incurred a yellow card against Chile the striker will now miss Australia’s clash with Spain.

But the striker was adamant he had no regrets for ending his campaign early.

“No, no sadness. I play for today not tomorrow,” he said.

“If I’m going out there to save myself from a yellow card then I shouldn’t be here.

“I play for moments and in my lifetime I’ve got five of the best moments.”

Socceroo player ratings

MAT RYAN: A couple of fine saves were cancelled out when unable to stop what he should have – a long-range shot from Dutchman Memphis Depay which was the match-winner. Rating: 5.

JASON DAVIDSON: Had his hands full trying to contain Holland’s attack but won some personal duels with Dutch megastar Arjen Robben in another impressive display. Rating: 7.

TIM CAHILL: Scored one of the best goals in World Cup history with a thumping volley. Copped his second yellow card of the tournament, meaning he’ll be suspended for the final match against Spain. Rating: 9.

MATTHEW SPIRANOVIC: Solid and reliable in plugging the defence, showed some cool ball use and held his own against the star-studded Dutch forwards but couldn’t prevent Robben’s opener. Rating: 6.

MATTHEW LECKIE: Another standout game. Showed dash and dare, had the Dutch back-pedalling whenever he was on the ball but couldn’t turn in a close-range header which would have given the Australians a 3-2 lead. Rating: 8.

TOMMY OAR: Assured performance down the left flank with no signs of the nerves which afflicted him against Chile. Used his speed to present a danger to the Dutch before being substituted in the 77th minute. Rating: 7.

MILE JEDINAK: Composed and classy in midfield, drifted back to help the defence and forward to provide attacking options. Coolly slotted a penalty in the 54th minute. Rating: 8.

MATT McKAY: Worked tirelessly to help stifle Holland’s midfield. Some slick ball use and invaluable shut-downs in a reliable, mature performance. Rating: 7.

RYAN McGOWAN: Handled his right-back role with aplomb, provided the cross-field pass for Cahill’s wonder goal and was resolute in defence. Rating: 7.

ALEX WILKINSON: Solid but not spectacular, allowed Robben to slip by him for the first Dutch goal but won’t be only defender to have that happen. Held his own. Rating: 6.

MARK BRESCIANO: A creative force, demonstrated canny passing and was an attacking threat in a dynamic first half. Struggled with a hip injury in the second stanza and was subbed out in the 51st minute. Rating: 8

OLIVER BOZINAC: Came on for Bresciano and had instant impact, his attacking sortie in his second minute on the pitch earning a penalty for a Dutch hand ball. Remained busy thereafter. Rating: 7.

BEN HALLORAN: Some promising moments but battled to find the ball or overly-threaten after replacing Cahill in the 69th minute. Rating: 4.

ADAM TAGGART: Minimal impact after coming on in the 77th minute to replace Oar, barely sighted as Australia pressed for an equaliser. Rating: 3.

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