By FRANCO PANIZO
Many observers have long predicted that Tim Cahill will retire from international soccer after playing in January’s Asian Cup in his native Australia.
That’s looking highly unlikely as of now.
Cahill turned 35 years-old earlier this month, but stated publicly on Monday his desire to keep playing for Australia for the next few years. The Socceroos’ all-time leading goal-scorer and New York Red Bulls midfielder has been rumored to be exiting the international stage in the near future, but still feels plenty capable of contributing and wants to continue do so on the road to the 2018 World Cup in Russia.
“I’ve gone to the MLS because that allows me to play internationally. The next decision that I make will still allow me to play internationally,” Cahill told ABC.net. “But I average 30 or 40 games every season since I was 17 years-old and nothing’s changed, so I’d like to say that the next contract I sign will be two to three years minimum, with a vision.”
Cahill might be thinking about what next move could extend his international playing days, but is still under contract with the Red Bulls through the 2015 season. There is, however, speculation that he could be on his way out this winter after seeing his role within the team diminished this year.
More recently, he was left exposed in the MLS Expansion Draft.
Cahill, who has 76 appearances and a record 36 goals for Australia, arrived in New York in July 2012. He helped the club win its first trophy a year later with an MVP-caliber season, but saw a significant drop-off in his production this year.
Cahill finished 2014, a year in which he shined at the World Cup in Brazil, with two goals and two assists in 18 starts for the Red Bulls. Now, he is contemplating what’s next but with his future with Australia firmly in mind.
“When you put everything into one, the decision I make will be a methodical one, like I’ve always made it,” said Cahill. “It will take a month or so but, when it does, I think people will be quietly impressed with what I’m trying to do.”
Cahill and Australia kick off their Asian Cup campaign with a Jan. 9 meeting with Kuwait.
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Think Cahill has enough in the tank to make it to the 2018 World Cup? What should the Red Bulls do with him? Where do you see Cahill playing in 2015 and beyond?
Share your thoughts below.
Yes. I am fundamentally opposed to playing with two essentially defensive minded mids in MLS (it doesn’t even work for Brasil). It kills consistency going forward and produces the classic Red Bull disappointment: dominating play but failing to score the one needed goal. Cement central defense, high pressure, and attack! 4-1-3-2.
I think it makes sense for RBNY to part ways with Cahill, but only if he’s replaced with a comparable player. Stop cheaping out Red Bull!
I would also point out he was left exposed in the expansion draft because no one was going to take him with his contract so this way RBNY could protect someone who might actually be selected.
Agree completely. With Henry already off the books, and perhaps Cahill as well, RBNY will have plenty of cash to spend. Biggest needs are a creative midfielder and a rock-solid defender to anchor a shaky back line that will only get shakier after Olave’s departure.
Looks like RBNY will immediately be the second best team in NY.
Don’t know about New York, but they will be the best in Jersey
I don’t really believe that… We won’t know until the roster consists of more than a couple 30+ RSL guys, some decent midfielders, David Villa and maybe Lampard.
There are still a lot of holes there.
Henry’s departure should open up the door for Cahill to play as a striker next to BWP. You aren’t going to replace Henry with a similar player, but you can find for less money a talented winger to play on the other side of Sam who can send in crosses towards what is still the most dangerous head in the business. There is even a chance that Red Bull looks like a more coherent unit going forward more consistently.
Good point, personally I don’t think he’s coming back but playing off BWP would make sense.
That would mean a return to a 4-4-2 from 2014’s very effective 4-2-3-1. Are we willing to break up the McCarty/Alexander pairing in front of the back line?
Cahill’s first priority is obviously the national team. RBNY should just release him from his contract. He should play for a club in Australia, to reduce travel time.
Good observation, I’m not sure if RBNY have the option to release him but it seems like it would be best for everyone at this point.
Cahill is one of those enigma players, bags of talent, crazy vertical leap, occasional drive and never quite able to connect the mental piece of being an athlete. Shame really, he could have been really something.
He will turn into a Carlos Ruiz of sorts