YOUR SAY: Fans decide Tim Cahill's best Caltex Socceroos moment

Australian football fans have had their say and now Tim Cahill's greatest Caltex Socceroos moment can be revealed.

LEGEND: Cahill to get Caltex Socceroos send-off in Lebanon game
DON'T MISS OUT: Be there when we farewell a legend

Ahead of his farewell to international football - against Lebanon in Sydney on November 20 - a poll was opened to determine the great man's most memorable highlight in green and gold.

SEE THE FULL POLL RESULTS AT THE BOTTOM OF THIS ARTICLE

There was no shortage of options but, topping the count with 58 per cent of the vote, one special moment in particular clearly continues to resonate.

WINNER: Scoring the Caltex Socceroos' first ever FIFA World Cup™ goal against Japan in 2006

"It's a landmark moment for Australian football"

If John Aloisi's penalty against Uruguay ended 32 years of hurt, it was this goal that ushered in a new era of belief and belonging.

We know the story.

In a match that loomed as pivotal to escaping a tough group, Australia fell behind midway through the first half in controversial circumstances.

Japan clung on to their lead for well over an hour and seemed destined to snatch all three points as the clock ticked into the 84th minute.

Then came the spine-tingling moment.

From a Lucas Neill throw-in on the left, Josh Kennedy wedged himself between goalkeeper and defender, managing to force the ball to the floor.

Harry Kewell's initial attempt was blocked before a predatory Cahill, introduced off the bench after half-time, etched himself into history with one stab of his right boot.

Tim Cahill celebrates scoring against Japan in 2006


It was a moment to savour, and asking for anything more seemed greedy at that stage. Celebrations. The finger wag. Boxing the corner flag.

But our greatest ever goalscorer wasn't satisfied.

Five minutes later he spectacularly made it a match-turning brace, sparking wild scenes as the Caltex Socceroos earned their first FIFA World Cup™ win in the most remarkable fashion imaginable.

Aloisi added a third in stoppage time to put the final seal on a fairy-tale result that proved just the beginning of Australia's adventure in Germany.

That unforgettable first Cahill goal in Kaiserslautern gave rise to both the knockout rounds appearance that followed and to a truly exceptional international career full of many more wonderful moments, to borrow a phrase from Simon Hill.

Vote for your favourite

Closed
What was Tim Cahill's greatest moment in a Caltex Socceroos jersey?
Helping the Caltex Socceroos qualify for a first FIFA World Cup for 32 years
Scoring the Caltex Socceroos first ever FIFA World Cup goal against Japan in 2006
Becoming the Caltex Socceroos all-time top goalscorer after striking against Ecuador
Slamming in *that* volley at FIFA World Cup 2010 against the Netherlands
Breaking China's resolve with an acrobatic bicycle kick at the AFC Asian Cup 2015
Helping the Caltex Socceroos lift the AFC Asian Cup 2015 with victory over Korea Republic
Scoring crucial goals against Syria to keep the Caltex Socceroos' FIFA World Cup 2018 hopes alive
Joining a prestigious club to have played in four FIFA World Cups at Russia 2018

Thanks for voting!

 

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