Tim Cahill's good disciplinary record doubled with some help from a German player may see him hit with just a one-match ban rather than two. The Australian midfielder was sent off for a clumsy challenge on Germany's Bastian Schweinsteiger in the second half of Monday morning's World Cup clash which finished 4-0 to Germany and is now in danger of missing the next two Group D matches.

Football Federation Australia have written to the sport's world governing body, FIFA, to try and downgrade the severity of Cahill's suspension and it looks as though he is in a good position for this to happen with his solid record and the fact that Schweinsteiger told Cahill, "It wasn't a red" which was caught on a reporters digital voice recorder.

FFA said they would leave no stone unturned in getting Cahill off the two-match ban.

"The referee has reported that, in an attempt to win the ball, the player used excessive force in tackling an opponent from behind, thereby causing danger," a spokesman said.

"As it was a direct red card and not two yellow cards, additional disciplinary sanctions may be imposed on the player - additional suspension, fine, etc.

"FFA has been requested to submit any comments or evidence in connection with this incident.

"The FFA is preparing a case which includes video evidence, a statement by Tim Cahill and others, and legal submissions, directed towards showing that the incident involved was not one which used excessive force, caused danger or led to injury.

"It will also rely on Tim Cahill's good record, and his lack of intention to cause harm or injury."

Cahill is set to find out his World Cup fate today at a FIFA hearing.