Behind the mystifying decision not to play Tim Cahill in clash with Denmark

THE stage seemed set for a Tim Cahill cameo, scores locked at 1-1 and time quickly running away from Australia. But with his final replacement, coach opted for Tomi Juric and not the Socceroos’ talisman.

Tim Cahill was left on the bench. (Photo by Stu Forster/Getty Images)

THE stage seemed set. Australia needed a new striker, and a goal, when Andrew Nabbout dislocated his shoulder with 15 minutes remaining.

This was surely Cahill time. But instead it was Tomi Juric’s number that went up, and Cahill was sidelined again.

It’s hard to understand why; is Cahill really third in the pecking order of strikers? That is no slight against Tomi Juric, who had impressed against France.

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Tim Cahill remained on the bench for the entire game. (Photo by Stu Forster/Getty Images)

But Cahill has the magician’s touch. He is a magnet for the ball, a player who has owned big occasions so many times. Mathew Leckie had already showed more than once that a well-timed leap could best the angular ranks of Denmark’s defence. No one times a leap better than Cahill.

Daniel Arzani and Tim Cahill after Australia’s draw with Denmark. Would things have gone better if they were both on the field. (Photo by Robert Cianflone/Getty Images)

The decision is all the stranger with Daniel Arzani on, and causing havoc. Arzani’s low cross fizzed across the goal, and no one could get the touch it needed. Would Cahill have anticipated it? We’ll never know.

But there’s another factor at play here. This team is playing with great organisation and great spirit, in large part because of its coach. Watching van Marwijk at close quarters in the past few weeks, the team have soaked up his instructions.

Tim Cahill had his supporters in the crowd. (Photo by Stu Forster/Getty Images)

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Neutralising France for great swathes of the game, and then outplaying Denmark, the Socceroos have risen to the occasion magnificently, led by van Marwijk.

This is a top-level coach, working in a short space of time, and maximising his team’s assets. Which makes the Cahill decision all the more strange.

Massive effort by the lads today against Denmark. Team performance was fantastic and gutted we couldn't get all 3 points. Special mention to the fans today, amazing support and the stadium was rocking. Time to pack up here in Samara and head back to Kazan to prepare for Peru. pic.twitter.com/rbtb5in3xS

— TIM CAHILL (@Tim_Cahill) June 21, 2018

It could yet all work out brilliantly. Cahill could come on against Peru and score the goal that carries Australia through.

But the nagging fear is that the Socceroos will come up a fraction short, and the question will always linger — did Bert get one decision horribly wrong?