Former Everton midfielder Tim Cahill has revealed how David Moyes' teams used the intimidating atmosphere at Goodison Park to target and neutralize 'soft' opponents, while also backing England or France to win the ongoing World Cup.
Cahill's Goodison Park Memories
Cahill, who made 278 appearances and scored 68 goals for Everton between 2004 and 2012, recalled the tactics employed by Moyes during his first spell as manager. Speaking to Joe Cole on the podcast 'Could It Be Coming Home?', Cahill explained how the team used the fans and the compact nature of Goodison Park to their advantage.
"It was difficult to come to us because we used the fans, small pitch, tight, and we would close the pitch. We would make sure the soft players would feel it when they faced us," Cahill said. "As soon as we took them out of the game, they are down to nine, then we would focus on cutting the supply, shutting up shop. Goodison was amazing, the best place ever."
Fourth-Place Finish Against the Odds
Reflecting on the 2004-05 season when Everton finished fourth in the Premier League, Cahill highlighted the team's limited budget compared to rivals. "We had a team of proper footballers," he said. "David Moyes had a way of a back four, one or two sitting in front, and then letting us fly."
Cahill, who is fourth on Everton's all-time Premier League scoring list with 56 goals, also noted the influence of leaders like Alan Stubbs, David Weir, and Lee Carsley in that squad.
World Cup Predictions and Irankunda Tribute
Looking ahead to the World Cup final, Cahill believes England or France will lift the trophy. "I think Brazil are one-paced, England are not," he said. "For me it is France or England who will end up winning the trophy."
Cahill also praised Australia's Nestory Irankunda, who scored his country's first goal of the tournament and celebrated by mimicking Cahill's trademark corner-flag punch. Irankunda said: "Timmy Cahill is my biggest inspiration when it comes to football. Him and Lionel Messi."
Reacting to the tribute, Cahill said: "My phone was going crazy when he said that. He is an inspiration and when I heard that, to be honest, that's why you play football."
