Australian midfielder Tim Cahill feels his World Cup dream has been shattered after he received a red card in this morning's disappointing 4-0 loss to Germany.
The Everton star was sent off for a clumsy challenge on Germany's Bastian Schweinsteiger in the 56th minute of the match in Durban which has forced him out of Australia's second match against Ghana on Saturday and perhaps even their third match against Serbia and he was almost inconsolable after the game.
"This was my World Cup dream and someone has taken it away from me with one decision," said Cahill. "I can't find words to describe how low I feel.
"I've been through a lot of tough things in football but nothing this painful. It's hit me really hard.
"I trained so hard for this, played 50-odd games for Everton last season, kept myself in top shape and now I might not be part of the World Cup any more.
"I'm just so hurt. As a footballer it's been nice that Schweinsteiger has come out on my behalf said it wasn't a red card. I'll leave it for everyone else to make their mind up.
"To have my World Cup shattered in that way is one of the worst things I've ever experienced. You know as a player when you've done a bad challenge and you hold your hands up.
"What you have to do in those situations is remain respectful to the ref, and that's what I tried to do. I asked him about it after the game, but he refused to answer. I asked the fourth official and he said he hadn't seen it."
Cahill said he was unsure what would happen in regards to potentially having the suspension overturned but said it was the worst feeling he has ever had as a player.
"I don't have a clue what will happen now," said Cahill. "But what I can say is that it's the hardest thing I have ever had to deal with as a footballer. Nothing comes close to this. It was my dream to play in the World Cup, something so special to play for my country.
"So to have it snatched away from me so quickly is not something I ever want to experience again. Hopefully the people at FIFA will understand there was no malice involved."
