Asian Cup 2015: relive Socceroos star Tim Cahill’s five best goals from big tournaments

TIM Cahill invariably saves his best for the big stage. Relive five of his best goals from his World Cups and Asian Cups exploits over the years.

Tim Cahill of Australia celebrates a goal during the AFC Asian Cup Quarter-Final between the Socceroos and China played at Suncorp Stadium. Pic Darren England.

TIM Cahill invariably saves his best for the big stage.

World Cups, Asian Cups, crucial qualifiers ... he’s the man the Socceroos can count on.

Relive five of his best goals from his exploits in South Africa, Germany, Brazil and Australia, including some from venues like Porto Alegre, Kaiserslatern and Nelspruit.

1 Freakish volley

2014 World Cup – Brazil

June 18, 2014 - Australia 2-3 Netherlands (Group game)

Estadio Beira-Rio, Porto Alegre

“When you look at your idols like Marco van Basten and even Robin van Persie, they’re the sort of goals they score. You dream as a kid for these opportunities.

- Cahill on his wonder left-foot volley.

2 The acrobat

2015 Asian Cup – Australia

January 22, 2015 - Australia 2-0 China (Quarter-final)

Suncorp Stadium, Brisbane

“I hit it an area, I saw Timmy’s scissor and I thought did this really happen or not? Then I looked at the linesman, I thought it was offside. It was a great goal.’’

- Ivan Franjic, who claimed the assist after heading it towards Cahill.

3 The long-range strike

2006 World Cup – Germany

June 12, 2006 - Australia 3-1 Japan (Group game)

Fritz Walter Stadion, Kaiserlautern

“His first goal was crucial, but the second one was absolute class, it was like an instinctive striker where he didn’t think too much, off the post and in.’’

- Craig Moore, who was subbed off just before the Cahill’s goals.

4 The super leap

2010 World Cup – South Africa

June 23, 2010 - Australia 2-1 Serbia (Group game)

Mbombela Stadium, Nelspruit

“It was a cross you don’t expect a goal from. Similar to last night’s header, where he’s got good hang time and gets enough on the ball to get it away from the keeper with precision and timing.’’

- Craig Moore, who was suspended and watching from the stands.

5 The power header

2015 Asian Cup – Australia

January 22, 2015 - Australia 2-0 China (Quarter-final)

Suncorp Stadium, Brisbane

“It was just as impressive (as the bicycle goal). Obviously it was a good ball in, it wasn’t a decisive sort of cross. Tim made it what it was.’’

- Mark Milligan, who had a perfect view from the sideline.

Originally published as Asian Cup 2015: relive Socceroos star Tim Cahill’s five best goals from big tournaments