Tim Cahill, the Everton fan favourite who scored five Merseyside derby goals, also made history for Australia at the World Cup. Cahill netted Australia's first-ever goal in the World Cup finals in 2006 and finished with five strikes across four tournaments, with his last earning praise from Brazil legend Ronaldo.
First World Cup Goal for Australia
Australia first qualified for the World Cup in 1974, failing to score in three matches. In 2006, Cahill came off the bench against Japan in Kaiserslautern and scored twice, including the Socceroos' first World Cup goal, sparking a 3-1 comeback win. He also helped Australia reach the knockout stages for the first time.
World Cup Goals Across Tournaments
Cahill scored five World Cup goals: two in 2006, one in 2010 against Serbia, and two in 2014 against Chile and the Netherlands. His 2014 volley against the Netherlands was a stunning left-foot strike that prompted Brazil's Ronaldo to say: "It's going to go down in history as one of the most beautiful World Cup goals."
Career and Impact
Cahill scored 68 goals in 278 appearances for Everton between 2004-12 and 50 in 108 internationals. He played in four World Cups, retiring after the 2018 tournament. His goal against the Netherlands remains his personal favourite, noting: "When you look at the way I scored that goal — it has to be the only goal I've ever watched numerous times."
