His wonder goal, a bicycle kick to put the Socceroos in front in the 49th minute, adds to a stunning catalogue of moments, including that brilliant volley against Netherlands at last year’s FIFA World Cup that was among the best in the tournament's illustrious history.
But those goals are the cherries on top. I want to focus on Tim’s second goal against, the trademark header, one he could almost copyright if it were allowed.
I’ve lost count of how many times we’ve seen him leap to meet a cross, crank up the neck muscles, and bury another ball in the back of the next. The leap. The power. The accuracy. Remember that one against Chile last year as well? It’s truly incredible to watch, especially close up.
My first recollection of Timmy’s aerial power and superiority was when he first came into the Socceroos set up back in 2004. We were in the UK, practising crossing and set-pieces. At the time we had a few strikers who were decent with their head, myself included, but Tim was something different all together.
I used to be a player who relished the heading contest in the box. I would try and time my run-up and leap before the defender could take the space required to reach the ball. And I thought I was OK at it. But then Tim comes along.
I was amazed at how he could not only leap what seemed like a metre higher than anyone else, but that he seemed to hang in mid-air casually until the ball landed perfectly on his head.
What is more fascinating is that Tim is not a two-metre tall striker. He is also able to do what he does on both sides. Most players, like myself, prefer or are stronger on one side, using a particular leg to generate the leap towards the ball.
For Tim, though, it doesn’t matter. He is strong from any angle, side or distance, and generally tends to start the leap off both feet, and even without an excessive knee bend.
Last night’s header was up there with the best of them. Tim was some distance from goal, and while the leap wasn’t required to be as high as we’ve been accustomed to seeing, the power generated to meet Jason Davidson's excellent cross was spectacular. Take it from me, that is not an easy thing to achieve. He makes something that is extremely difficult look all so easy.
When you’re in camp, as a player, it’s easy to see those players who are a level above the majority of the squad. In camp around 2004, we had Mark Bresciano at his best, Harry Kewell, one of our best ever, and Tim, even though he was new to the set-up, clearly sat comfortably alongside these greats.
Tim is already going down the academy pathway to help kids realise their dreams. If those kids come through that experience with the ability to work, train and play as Tim does, and hopefully head a ball in the same devastating manner, we could have a bright future ahead for the Socceroos.
