Tim Cahill is quite similar to a fine bottle of wine that gets better with age. The Socceroos’ all-time top-scorer is still banging in the goals at the ripe-old age of 35. Yesterday was no exception as the former Everton star slammed his second international hattrick against Bangladesh in the 2018 Fifa World Cup second round qualifier at Bangabandhu National Stadium.
For those Bangladesh fans who follow the English Premier League intently, Cahill is a household name. He spent eight long and successful years at Goodison Park, Merseyside before joining Major League Soccer side New York Red Bulls in 2012. He is now plying his trade with the cash-rich Chinese side Shanghai Shenhua.
Cahill grabbed his first hattrick for the Socceroos in his debut year in 2004 in a 6-1 thumping over Fiji in the OFC Nations Cup. Following that treble, he has scored 38 goals, including his treble yesterday.
Many spectators thronged the big bowl yesterday to see the 35-year old forward, who is famous for his heading ability among other aspects. Alongside Nathan Burns, Cahill started upfront and broke the deadlock with one of his typical headers in just the sixth minute.
In the span of his ongoing 11-year long association with the Socceroos, Cahill is perhaps spending one of his finest years. He did not start against Bangladesh in Perth earlier this year but has still gone on to score nine goals; his highest in a calender year.
Including his goal against Kyrgyzstan last week, Cahill now has six goals in as many Group B qualifiers, joint-top alongside Tajikistan forward Manuchekhr Dzhalilov.
Australia head coach Ange Postecoglou was effusive in his praise for Cahill after yesterday’s clash. “He scored against Kyrgyzstan and he continues to score goals. He is a very good player and has always been one. He doesn’t want to stop. He wants to keep going. He wants to score more goals. I’m pleased for his hattrick [yesterday night],” said Postecoglou.
And as far as the Bangladesh fans are concerned, they might have been disappointed with the scoreline but will no doubt count themselves lucky having watched a fired-up Cahill in action.