There are 19 days until the World Cup and New York Red Bulls Designated Player Tim Cahill will be in Brazil for his third straight tournament, hoping to create a memory that supersedes his current No. 1.
In the 1974 World Cup, it was three and out for the Socceroos, who went goal-less in their maiden voyage. But Cahill rectified that in the first game of the 2006 group stage against Japan. Down 1-0, the New York Red Bulls man singlehandedly overturned the result in the final six minutes in Kaiserslautern, Germany.
Being the first-ever goalscorer for Australia [in our group opener vs. Japan in 2006], it’s priceless. Everything you’ve every done as a footballer, World Cups are what mean everything. To score for your country is a blessing, but to be the first-ever for your country is something I’ll never forget.
I remember making it 1-1 and then the fans going crazy. Then, a couple of minutes later, making it 2-1 [with my second goal]. So it was the first three points in a World Cup as well [for Australia]. This is why you play football — a special experience — but at the same time it's a big reward for all the sacrifice you put in as a footballer.
WORLD CUP MEMORIES:
Alexi Lalas: Legend's all-time favorite moment was a hand ball
Clint Dempsey: Childhood dreams come true with a single goal
Bruce Arena: First World Cup game? Only one of the biggest upsets in history
Landon Donovan: Baggio's missed PK in '94 leaves profound impact on US great
Kyle Beckerman: The Saudi Arabian who inspired RSL's World Cup hopeful
Jason deVos: 1986ers pave the way for future Canadian national team star
Will Johnson: Timbers captain experiences agony and ecstasy in 120 minutes in 1998
Michael Bradley: The miracle comeback that he helped author in South Africa 2010
Carlos Valderrama: The goal that brings goosebumps to every Colombian
Clint Mathis: The Mohawk and the Red Sea in South Korea
Robbie Keane: Lady Luck shines on Republic of Ireland in 2002
