Australian footballing legend Tim Cahill is moments away from etching his name in World Cup history.
Cahill, who made his tournament debut way back in Germany in 2006, has hit his fourth World Cup in Russia. He burst onto the world scene 12 years ago when he came off the bench and scored two goals as the Socceroos fought back to beat Japan 3-2, the country’s first victory in World Cup history.
Four years later Cahill bagged a goal against Serbia, and at the 2014 World Cup he scored a stunning volley against the Dutch in Brazil. Now he is 38, turning 39 in December, and the hair is a bit greyer and the pace long gone. And his chances of making it to Russia hung by a thread six months ago when he walked out on A-League side Melbourne City because of a lack of regular game-time. He joined his former club Millwall in England in january, but played less then 90 minutes for the Lions’ first-team.
However, the forward is adamant that his time in south-east London was the exact tonic needed to get him fit and sharp for Russia. Millwall, coached by his close friend and former teammate Neil Harris, helped him make sure he was in the best shape for a call-up by Bert van Marwijk.
“It would have been a massive heartache not being here if it didn't work out – but it wouldn't have been for the want of trying," he said.
"Going to Millwall was amazing because I was lucky I had [Socceroos sports scientists] Les Gelis and Craig Duncan and the Australian set up 24/7. And Millwall backed me to create behind closed doors to make sure my data was high."
"The proof is in the pudding because I've not missed a training session here [in Russia]. It's been intense. I like being top of the class when it comes to being mentally and physically ready."
Cahill was criticised in some quarters for leaving Melbourne City and for previously chasing big money in China. He was also knocked for receiving next to no game-time at the Den.
But the 38-year-old said he has always had a calculated plan to make it to the 2018 World Cup, and cares little for critics.
He will carve his name in the history book if he can score at four consecutive World Cups, joining the ranks of Pele, Miroslav Klose and Uwe Seeler.
“I've been lucky – I've spent a whole year getting ready for these three games," he said.
"I've always made calculated decisions for myself and my family. I'm not really fazed by outside noise. As a professional, you've got to hit certain levels that gets you to where you are today."
