The Australia veteran reached 100 caps but
couldn't help the Socceroos into the next round of the Confederations Cup Tim
Cahill was happy to lead from the front for Australia and implement Ange
Postecoglou's instructions against Chile.
Cahill
was recalled to the side on occasion of his 100th cap and produced a wonderful
display although it was not enough to put the Socceroos into the Confederations
Cup semi-finals.
Australia
needed to win by a two-goal margin to guarantee a place in the last four and,
although hopes were raised when James Troisi put them in front, Martin
Rodriguez came off the bench to rescue the point La Roja required to set up a
meeting with Portugal on Wednesday.
Of his role, Cahill said: "Once I lead, the other boys
follow. It wasn't about 100 caps for me, it was about implementing the style
the boss wanted. When you get in players' faces it doesn't matter who they are,
they are under pressure. we caused them problems, a world class team we respect
a lot."
Although
a fan of Chile, Cahill was surprised at their willingness to play the long
ball.
He
added: "We know we dominated large parts of the game, physically and
football-wise. Chile just lumped the ball long.
"We
got the goal and should have had a lot more. They're a team we're trying to
emulate. Aside from their skill and individual players, they're one of the
hardest-working teams in the world, defending and attacking. It was great to
play the best and stand level pegging with them."
Cahill is a firm believer in
Postecoglou's attempts to evolve Australia's style of play from a direct
approach to a passing, possession-based game, adding: "The biggest thing
for us is we are changing the way the game should be played in Australia. People
should be proud, they were the most difficult opponents we've had in our three
games, they'll probably go on and win this tournament.
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