Cahill repays the faith with match-winning display

Ange Postecoglou has hailed Tim Cahill as one of Australia's greatest athletes after the ageless superstar headed the Socceroos a step closer to a fourth consecutive World Cup.

Cahill's record 49th and 50th goals for Australia - including an extra-time winner at ANZ Stadium - earned the Socceroos a heartstopping 2-1 victory over Syria in the second leg of their play-off on Tuesday night.

"That's why Timmy's Timmy. He's is a great Australian sportsman," Postecoglou said.

"He's got an international record that stacks up against the best."

The victory vaulted the Socceroos into a final intercontinental play-off next month against the fourth-placed CONCACAF finisher, likely Panama or Honduras.

Cahill described his goals as "like waiting for a bus".

"I knew I was going to score," he said of his 109th-minute match winner.

"You've got to write your own script. I said to Tommy Rogic if you don't take your moment then I'm going to take it.

"For me, I'm just glad the boss gave me the opportunity and believed in me to leave me out there (for 120 minutes).

"It's a responsibility when I play. This is my passion. I will run to the end for this manager and these players."

Syria had taken a shock lead through an Omar Al Somah goal after six minutes on a slippery ANZ Stadium pitch before Cahill's heroics - again - saved the night for Australia.

with AAP