Australian media full of praise for Cahill

Australian media heaped praise on Tim Cahill on Friday after the World Cup veteran single-handedly sent the host team into the Asian Cup semifinals.

"Tim Cahill added another chapter to his legendary career by scoring one of the greatest goals seen by a Socceroo on home soil," The Melbourne Herald said.

Cahill helped the host nation through with a 2-0 victory over China in Brisbane on Thursday.

The 35-year-old struck twice in 15 minutes, once with an incredible acrobatic overhead kick and again with a craning header, as Australia advanced to the final four at the expense of a resolute China side.

Cahill produced a bicycle kick of the utmost quality to beat Chinese keeper Wang Dalei to the bottom corner of the net, opening the scoring.

It also raised the confidence of the host nation. Soon after, Mark Bresciano lashed a volley over the bar from Leckie's cushioned knockdown, before Cahill's shot on the turn was pushed wide by Wang.

However, the Chinese keeper was powerless to stop Cahill's next effort. On the receiving end of Leckie's fine cross, Cahill's towering header nestled in the top corner to deservedly double Australia's advantage.

"Tim Cahill somehow took it to another leval," The Australian daily commented of the national team's record scorer.

The Daily Telegraph also said Cahill's bicycle kick "will be replayed around the globe".

"Can he make 50 goals? Can he single-handedly defeat Japan? Or Iran?Suddenly nothing seems beyond him," the Sydney Morning Herald said. Endi