He almost didn't play for the Socceroos

The golden boy of Australian soccer had to fight for nearly a decade before he could make his debut as a Socceroo. Two short appearances in Western Samoa's under-20s team had automatically ruled him out from donning the green and gold uniform. It was only after governing body FIFA relaxed their international eligibility rules that Cahill was able to join the Australian team in 2004. Lucky they did. Cahill is comfortably ahead as the highest goal scorer in Socceroo history.

His tattoo tells a story

The tattoo that covers most of Tim Cahill's left arm reflects milestone moments in his life. He decided to start the tattoo after his grandmother died. The design begins near the shoulder with a line representing her life, which merges into a line representing his. Along Cahill's lifeline are symbols reflecting the birth of his children, his marriage to his wife and the growth of his extended family. There are also tattoos representing his time at the Millwall and Everton football clubs. There is room on his arm to extend the sleeve, but Cahill has said he will only add to it "if it really means something".

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Ange Postecoglou

He has not only coached Australia

Socceroos coach Ange Postecoglou has not only led Australia to success on a world stage, he's played for the country too. He represented Australia four times between 1986 and 1988 before injuries put an end to his playing days. After arriving in Melbourne when he was five, it was Postecoglou' father who encouraged him to take up soccer as a way of maintaining a link to his heritage. As an eight-year-old, Postecoglou played for the South Melbourne junior team. In his long career, he's coached South Melbourne, Brisbane Roar and Melbourne Victory in domestic club competitions as well as national youth teams and Greek club Panachaiki.

He was grilled 

In what could be a career low, Postecoglou had a stoush with SBS analyst Craig Foster during a now infamous television interview. Foster called on Postecoglou to resign as coach of Australia's under-20s after the side failed to reach the World Youth Cup. It was an ugly 12 minutes. "That's people's first reference," Postecoglou later said. "If you want to appoint Ange Postecoglou, watch this interview. It didn't paint anyone in a good light. You live with it now. People bring it up all the time. If you Google my name, it's the first thing that comes up, apparently." Postecoglou is convinced the interview cost him jobs and he fled to the Greek countryside club Panachaiki to pick up the pieces.