Win-win outcome drives Cahill
IT’S the game that could bring an end to a clutch of Socceroos careers, or send them to Russia for another World Cup. Just don’t mention the first of those possibilities to Tim Cahill.
The Socceroos face Honduras tomorrow knowing that a loss will spell the end for Ange Postecoglou, and could bring the curtain down on the international careers of Cahill and captain Mile Jedinak.
But Cahill insisted he had no need to contemplate anything other than the win that would earn Australia a place at a fourth consecutive World Cup.
Confirming he is not just fit to play but desperate to be involved after recovering from an ankle injury, Cahill said he could feel the stars aligning for the Socceroos, after their convincing performance in drawing the first leg 0-0 on Saturday. Though Cahill sat that game out, he insisted no thoughts of failure had crossed his mind.
“(I’m) not thinking about it, definitely not thinking about it,” Cahill said.
“That’s the difference between me and anyone else, I don’t think about the negatives leading into something that’s so important for our country.
“What’s driving me is Wednesday night, the same thing that was driving me against Syria — to be selected.
“I’m feeling really good. It was awesome to train in Honduras and get two sessions in so I feel great. I feel like I’m going to be involved and it’s all about Wednesday night.
“I’ve had the best recuperation possible. I’m always wary there’ll be a bit of swelling and bruising in the ankle but I know how big the game is and I can’t wait for the opportunity to be involved or contribute in any way.
“Once I’m available for selection I don’t think about my ankle or anything like that. I just think about the end result of contributing to getting to a fourth consecutive World Cup. After this game all of us have plenty of time to put our bodies back together, it’s a small sacrifice for such a big return.”
Cahill praised the influence of captain Mile Jedinak, back in the squad after missing several games with a groin injury.
“Leading into the camp, we were texting about the importance of us being in camp around the boys,” Cahill said.
“With his presence on and off the park, he’s someone I respect a lot as a player and a person. Just having him out there winning challenges. It’s his presence, a midfielder who’ll stamp his authority on the game and lead from the front.
“(After) the last three or four camps not having him here, it’s really good to have someone of his calibre. Me and Millsy have been holding the fort, having him back helps even more.
“I feel everything is going really well. If it goes beyond 90 minutes (on Wednesday) then so be it, but we’re not going to be over confident. We’re not going to be blasé in anyway, we always respect our opponent but from the performance we’ve seen in Honduras, I feel the team is ready to put a good performance out.”