Cahill ready for physical challenge of Korea Republic

Socceroos talisman Tim Cahill says winning Saturday's Asian Cup final against Korea Republic will cap off his career, but won't disclose whether it will be his international swansong until after the game.

Cahill

On fire: Australia's Tim Cahill is in red-hot goalscoring form (Getty)

Striker Cahill, Australia's all-time leading goalscorer, will lead Australia's attack against the Taeguk Warriors, which beat it 1-0 during the group phase in Brisbane.

The match in Sydney represents another chapter in his illustrious career, which includes 81 caps, 39 goals and appearances at three World Cups and three Asian Cups.

Asked where he ranks Saturday's final among his career achievements, 35-year-old Cahill said: "It's definitely up there. I play for these moments and I play to try and make a difference in Australian football.

"Not only are we making a a difference on the pitch, it's the impact we're making off the pitch. So for me, this is definitely up there with the best.

"I've played in World Cups and all the other tournaments, but to play on home turf and to hopefully do something special and win a tournament like this, will definitely cap it off."

Asked if the result of the game would influence any decision about whether he would retire from international football after the tournament, Cahill said: "I'm not sure, but that's something I'll talk about after [the game]."

"My main focus is the final and hopefully trying to win something that's really special for our country."

He stressed a win on Saturday wouldn't represent redemption for losing the 2011 Asian Cup final to Japan.

"This won't be redemption or anything like that, because this is all about the future now, what we're going to do, and not looking back," he said.

Cahill, who made his debut in 2004, said the current style employed by coach Ange Postecoglou was the best he had played under during his time with the national team.

The ultimate big-game performer with a knack for scoring when it matters most, Cahill said he wasn't feeling any pressure.

"I'm not scared of what's ahead, I'm actually looking forward to embracing the challenge," Cahill said.

While he has been double- and triple-teamed at times, Cahill said he wasn't looking for more protection from referees and pointed out the attention he received opened up goalscoring opportunities for teammates.

"I don't need love from the ref," Cahill said.

"You see the other night when the two, three defenders were holding me and grappling with me, Trent Sainsbury got free and scored a header."

Cahill, who came off the bench in the pool game against Korea, was sure Australia could break down the opposition defence, but was also very respectful of its opponent. South Korea has yet to concede a goal in the tournament.

"They are strong and they are very physical," Cahill said.

"I feel that this is definitely going to be one of our most difficult games."


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3 min read
Published 29 January 2015 7:37pm
Updated 29 January 2015 9:53pm

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