Cahill shattered by send-off

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14 June 2010-SBS: Matthew Hall in Durban

Stunned ... Cahill can't believe the referee's decision (Getty)

Australia's Tim Cahill described his red card against Germany in the crushing 4-0 World Cup Group D loss in Durban as the saddest day of his career.

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Cahill’s send off for his 56th minute challenge on Germany's Bastian Schweinsteiger provoked emotional scenes after the match with the German player comforting the Australian to tell him it was not a red card offence.

"When Schweinsteiger just came up to me that says..." Cahill said, attempting to hold back tears and unable to finish his sentence.

People can make their own minds up but this goes to show how my dreams can be crushed in a matter of seconds."

As Cahill walked off the pitch following his red card, he turned to the game's fourth official and mouthed, "That’s bullshit" in reference to the referee’s decision.

After the match, the Everton midfielder was still stunned.

"This is one of my biggest dreams and for it to be shattered is hurtful," he admitted.

"In the second half, I thought it was more positive and we did really well. It seemed like we had the momentum."

Socceroos coach Pim Verbeek claimed his team was outplayed for the first 25 minutes in midfield and said he took responsibility for the result.

"The coach is always responsible," Verbeek said. "I picked the final 11. I never blame the players. I have no problem saying it was my responsibility."

Verbeek said Joshua Kennedy and Mark Bresciano were dropped because they didn't do well in the last two games and they didnt do well in training.

Verbeek revealed he had considered introducing Harry Kewell in to the match but Cahill’s red card changed his plans.

Cahill said the next few days would test the team's resolve.

"For me, this shows who we are as players and who we are as characters," he said.

"How we are going to step up from this and how we are going to be a team.

"Whether I am going to play or not I will be 100 per cent behind the lads trying to train hard and being a positive influence for the team.

"One thing we made sure, before we walked out, we said everyone runs through brick walls for each other. And make sure we leave everything on the pitch.

"Maybe today we just weren’t good enough. It's hurting mate."