Cahill could have played 130 times, says Aussie boss

MOSCOW: Ange Postecoglou heaped praise on Tim Cahill as Australia's "champion" forward made his 100th international appearance in Sunday's 1-1 draw with Chile at the Confederations Cup.
The 37-year-old captained the team in Moscow and joined long-serving former goalkeeper Mark Schwarzer (109) as the only other Australia player to reach the 100-cap landmark.
"I'll always give everything for my country. So proud of everyone," Cahill wrote on his Twitter accourt.
Cahill has scored at three World Cups finals (2006, 2010, 2014) and is Australia's top scorer with 48 goals.
Australia coach Postecoglou paid tribute to his skipper who won his first cap for Australia in 2004.
"It's an unbelievable achievement to have played 100 games as he didn't play for Australia until he was 24, because he wasn't allowed to," said Postecoglou.
Cahill originally played youth international football for Samoa and was only cleared to feature for Australia after FIFA changed its eligibility rules.
"He could have been sat here with 120, 130 games, very easily. Every time he has played at the highest level, at World Cups, he has scored goals. He is a fantastic influence."
On Sunday, James Troisi gave Australia a shock lead on 42 minutes, but Chile replied through substitute Rodriguez in the second-half.
As a result, Australia bowed out of the tournament after two draws and a defeat, while Chile advances as Group B runners-up behind world champions Germany.
"Tim was important tonight, especially at the start, because he wasn't going to be taking a backward step against Arturo Vidal or Alexis (Sanchez)," added Postecoglou.
"He has that personality and other players follow him. He was important for us, he had to work hard tonight, we haven't played him there (on the right side of attack) for quite a while.
"But I felt he could give us some energy with the way we press, he was good for an hour.
"He hasn't played a full 90 minutes since, I'd say, late April, but he has this will and desire which are the trademarks of a champion – that's what he is.
"I'm disappointed not to get the job done for him.
"I wanted today to be special for him, but we couldn't quite deliver. He's just a great Australian." — AFP