27 days to go…
We’re counting down to the FIFA World Cup 2026™ by showcasing a golazo from the global finals each day.
Tim Cahill
Australia v Netherlands
Brazil 2014 | Group B
Estadio Beira-Rio, Porto Alegre
Arjen Robben’s delightful deadlock-snapper for the Netherlands, who had demolished Spain in their opener, surprised few. Tim Cahill’s response – especially the speed and style of it – shocked the sport.
Ryan McGowan lofted a high, hanging ball into the box. Cahill let the adidas Brazuca sail over his left shoulder and thundered one of the greatest volleys in World Cup history past Jasper Cillessen. It came only 13 seconds after the Socceroos had restarted play. The Sydneysider’s trademark shadow boxing of the flag followed his thumping strike.
“The goal is right up there with my very best, just because of the way it went in,” said Cahill. “I score goals like that every day in the garden, but to do it on the biggest stage in the world makes me very proud.
“You think of van [Marco] van Basten and [Robin] van Persie and players like that scoring amazing volleys. People only ever expect me to score headers, regardless of some of the goals I have scored in my career, so it was a great moment.
“There’s also the thought that Brazil is the home of football and I am sure that goal resonated around the world, so it is a goal that me, my family and friends can share forever.”
The Boxing Socceroo
Highlights: Australia 2-3 Netherlands
Watch: Electric Arjen shocks Spain
Waiter Doug, Milkman Manfred and the 1974 pioneers
