Asian Cup 2015: Socceroos star Tim Cahill revels in ‘special’ night in front of roaring fans

TIM Cahill revealed that he had a pre-game hunch that it would be a “special” night for him and the Socceroos at Suncorp Stadium.

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TIM Cahill revealed that he had a pre-game hunch that it would be a “special” night for him and the Socceroos.

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Tim Cahill was unstoppable against China.

The striker’s outstanding bicycle kick broke the deadlock early in the second half before his stunning header 17 minutes later killed off a gallant China at Suncorp Stadium.

It was a striking resemblance to the last bicycle goal he scored in an official match, for Everton away to Chelsea in 2007-2008.

Australia’s 2-0 win sets up a semi-final clash against the winner of Friday night’s Japan-United Arab Emirates quarter-final at ANZ Stadium.

Cahill, who’s now scored 39 goals in 80 games, revealed that he was hitting the sweet-spot at training on the eve of the Brisbane match, while a pre-match prediction from his brother came true.

“The other day in training I felt great because everything I touched felt good, it was going in,’’ Cahill said.

“I practiced crossing with Jason and it’s about finding something that makes you tick and when you see the way the fans roar, event the Chinese fans, it’s great to do something special.

“My older brother text me and said I was going to score two goals. I won’t tell you what I said.

“But I believed we were going to win and I knew I was going to score. You have to believe in yourself.

“It’s a special night for all of us.’’

While Cahill’s highlights reel includes an array of stunning goals and many on the big occasion, he hadn’t scored a bicycle goal in seven years.

“Someone asked me whether I’ve scored a scissor kick before and I said yes, Chelsea away for Everton and that was pretty special,’’ he said.

“If you don’t have a shot at the title, you don’t know whether you’ll win. Nine times out of 10 I win.

“I’m fearless when I go onto the pitch, when I play for my country it’s for the shirt, it’s not about Tim Cahill.’’

Originally published as Asian Cup 2015: Socceroos star Tim Cahill revels in ‘special’ night in front of roaring fans