Socceroos light up social media with Australia Day wishes

The Socceroos have taken to social media to celebrate Australia Day on the eve of their crucial Asian Cup semi-final against United Arab Emirates in Newcastle.

Australia's striker Tim Cahill shows his Aussie pride after beating Serbia at the 2010 FIFA World Cup (Getty Images)

Tim Cahill, who many hailed as their own Australian of the Year after his heroic two-goal performance against China in the Asian Cup quarter-finals, also posted his best wishes with a photo of his celebrations after the Socceroos beat Serbia 2-1 in their FIFA World Cup Group D encounter at Mbombela Stadium, Nelspruit.

Cahill, of course, got the Socceroos off the mark that night with a trademark header before Brett Holman’s long-range stunner sealed the deal.

Socceroos skipper Mile Jedinak, who is looking forward to leading the Socceroos out in their crucial Asian Cup semi-final clash tomorrow against United Arab Emirates, posted as well.

Jedinak wrote: “Extremely proud & honoured every time I represent my Country. Thanks for all the support so far on this Journey. #afcasiancup #socceroos”

Mat Ryan, whose goalkeeping at the Asian Cup has been arguably his best in Socceroos colours, used the hashtag “Proudtobeaussie” in this tweet.

Fellow keeper Danny Vukovic celebrated with a typical Aussie breakfast of Vegemite on toast.

Another standout member of the Socceroos squad, defender Trent Sainsbury, picked kangaroos for his image.

Jason Davidson, who supplied the pinpoint cross for Cahill’s second goal against China last week, showed his national pride with this tweet.

Aziz Behich employed a similar tactic.

But it wasn’t just those born and bred Down Under that got into the Aussie spirit, as this tweet from Perth Glory’s Irish striker Andy Keogh proved.

Other A-League stars to chime in included Melbourne Victory legend Archie Thompson, Western Sydney Wanderers’ Nikita Rukavysta and Sydney FC’s newest Australian citizen, Iraq-born Ali Abbas.

Female players to show their Aussie colours with messages to their fans included Brisbane Roar’s Sunny Franco.

Matilda’s Kyah Simon and Caitlin Foord spent the morning in Sydney’s Hyde Park, spreading the football gospel to the next generation.

Team-mate and Asian Female Footballer of the Year Katrina Gorry was happy to be in camp, posting: “No better way to spend Australia Day then in camp with this bunch. Privileged to put on this shirt and represent our beautiful Country #Australiaday #campnumber3.”

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