Football
Ben McKay 6y

Tim Cahill could get Australia farewell in friendly against Lebanon

Australia will host Lebanon for the first time in November in a friendly mooted as a final farewell for Socceroos legend Tim Cahill.

Cahill retired from international football last month after playing at a fourth World Cup but is likely to lace up for the Nov. 20 match at Sydney's ANZ Stadium. Cahill's appearance is not yet set in stone, with FFA chief David Gallop saying negotiations with his management are ongoing.

A formal announcement should come next week.

If all goes to plan, fans will be able to see Cahill one last time in a Socceroos shirt in his home town.

"It's a wonderful opportunity for the fans to thank Timmy for what he's done for Australian football," national team coach Graham Arnold said. "It's still up to David [Gallop] and Timmy and his manager.

"Everyone has the greatest respect for Timmy. When you see footage of the two goals he scored against Japan in Germany, I was on the bench as assistant to see what he did against Syria -- two goals to get them past that. He's had a remarkable career.

"A career that not many people have. We will do something that he will never forget for sure."

Given Cahill's decision to step away from the national team set up, at 38, ahead of January's Asian Cup defence, he will play a limited role in November's Socceroos camp.

Australia will face South Korea in Brisbane on Nov. 17 before heading south for the date with Lebanon, the world No.79. FFA hope to draw upon Cahill's popularity, as well as the 165,000-strong community of Sydneysiders with Lebanese heritage to pack the Olympics venue.

"We've never played Lebanon in Australia before," Gallop said. "Lebanese people have a very important place in the Australian community.

"This will be a wonderful opportunity for those with Lebanese heritage to come out and support the Socceroos or Lebanon in what should be a special occasion."

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