Cahill's unlikely role in helping Socceroos' World Cup qualifying rivals

If Taiwan do manage to shock the Socceroos on October 15 in Taipei when they meet in Group B of qualification for the 2022 World Cup then Tim Cahill may be able to take a little of the credit.

Tim Cahill

Source: Getty Images

Taiwan captain Chen Po-Liang witnessed Cahill’s legendary professionalism first hand when the pair lined up together for Hangzhou Greentown in the Chinese Super League in 2016.

Chen, 31 and still in Hangzhou though the team now plays in China’s second tier, looks back on playing with Cahill as a great experience. 

“I learnt from him the attitude of a professional player,” Chen told The World Game.

“Age doesn't matter and it was all about his hard work and dedication that he puts into every training session and to maintain his body condition. At the time he was already 36 or 37 but he gave his all in everything he did.

“He's a great character and was always available to offer his experience to us, especially as we were a team full of young players. He was always there to help us improve.”

While Chen appreciated Cahill’s leadership, he does not expect any behind the scenes help from his former team-mate.

“As he is Australian I am not sure he’s willing to tell me anything! Anyway, I am more eager to know about Australia through our team’s research and through my own eyes.”

If Chen, who also lined up in front of Australian centre-back Matthew Spiranovic in Hangzhou, can show his talents then perhaps he will be able to keep a more permanent eye on the Australian set-up as a member of an A-League team.

“I always aim to score in every game I play but it will not be easy as Australia are one of the top teams in Asia. If there is a chance to play there then of course I would like to. It would be great to experience the league and culture of different countries.”

Taiwan, ranked at 125 in the world by FIFA, have never come close to a World Cup before. Under British coach Louis Lancaster, they have warmed up with a draw against group opponents Nepal and an impressive 2-0 win in Hong Kong. They kick-off their campaign against Jordan on Thursday. 

“It will not be an easy game but I am confident in our team. We're playing at home so we particularly have to play our style of football, according to our head coach’s tactics and game plan.”

“It is a long journey so every game will be equally important. Even though we might not win, we will not play for a loss, because even a point might count at the end.”

And the end is, hopefully, a place in the next stage either as group winner or one of the best four runners-up. 

“Our aim is to proceed to the next round. We are not looking for anything less at the moment.”


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3 min read
Published 31 August 2019 1:38pm
By John Duerden

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