Cahill vows more goals as Caltex Socceroos march on to November WC playoff

Caltex Socceroos match-winner Tim Cahill says he knew he would score the goal that has kept Australia’s FIFA 2018 World Cup dream alive.

Cahill scored both of Australia’s goals in the nail-biting 2-1 extra-time win over Syria in Sydney on Tuesday night, with the crucial winner coming after 110 minutes.

His incredible brace has taken his international tally to 50 goals and means Australia move into the final round of qualifying next month.

“This is what football is about. You have to write your own script,” a delighted Cahill told Fox Sports.

“I knew I was going to score. It’s not something your over confident about but you put yourself in the right position, it’s like waiting for a bus.

“I didn’t touch the ball much but I did my job, I kept the defenders back, made rooms for our 10s and in the end delivered.

“That’s what I have done my whole life and I’ll continue to do it.”

Syria caused an early scare when Omar Al Soma scored inside six minutes before Cahill drew the home side level seven minutes later.

Despite a creating a host of opportunities and dominating the rest of the match, Australia couldn’t breah Syria’s defence until Cahill popped up in the second half of extra-time to nod home Robbie Kruse’s cross.

“We knew we would tire them out and wait for our chances and in the end we got the goals,” Cahill said.

“It’s great to get the result not only for the players but for the manager as well. We’ve been working hard.

“We’re doing it the hard way but its feeling pretty good at the moment."

The Caltex Socceroos next face a final continental playoff in November against the fourth-placed team from CONCACAF, likely to be either Panama or Honduras but it also could be USA. 

“It doesn’t matter who we play, now we have to take the next level as a group and to believe in ourselves,” Cahill said.

“This four year journey has been amazing. It’s all down to the boss’ belief.

“We won’t take a step backwards.”