With one sensational touch, Tim Cahill made everyone a Socceroo.
The veteran Australia striker scored a breathtaking goal against the Netherlands in the teams' thrilling World Cup clash at Estadio Beiro-Rio on Wednesday. With the Dutch leading 1-0 in the 21st minute, Cahill lashed a left-footed volley past goalkeeper Jasper Cillessen after receiving a cross from Ryan McGowan.
Cahill, 34, is the leading all-time goalscorer for Australia and making his third career trip to the World Cup. He produced the Socceroos' lone goal against Chile in their opening match in Brazil and provided a spark against the Netherlands. His superb strike came just moments after the Netherlands had taken an early lead through striker Arjen Robben.
With one of the most impressive goals of the tournament to that point, Cahill pulled Australia, the lowest-ranked team in the World Cup, even with the Dutch, who were just removed from dismantling defending champion Spain. The Netherlands would ultimately prevail in a 3-2 thriller, but Cahill's strike remained the moment of the match. Having picked up two yellow cards in his first two group-stage games, the goal will also remain Cahill's final major moment on the World Cup stage.