Tim Cahill: Australia's football passion

STORY HIGHLIGHTS

• Everton midfielder Tim Cahill backing Australia's bid for 2022 World Cup
• Cahill part of official Australian delegation in Zurich for Thursday's decision
• FIFA rules Oceania delegate cannot vote on hosting decisions for 2018 and 2022

(CNN) -- Everton midfielder Tim Cahill was the first Australian to score a goal in the World Cup finals and is now doing his level best to make sure his country host football's global showpiece for the first time in 2022.

Cahill, who starred for Australia in the 2006 and 2010 World Cups, is part of Australia's official delegation in Zurich ahead of Thursday's crucial decision and told CNN that earning the right would be a "dream come true."

Cahill and fellow English Premier League star Lucas Neill have joined actress Elle McPherson and film director Phillip Noyce in promoting Australia's 2022 cause.

"We have held some of the biggest events on the planet like the Olympics and the Rugby World Cup and to share Australia with the world would be pretty special," he said.

To share Australia with the world would be pretty special
--Tim Cahill

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Cahill, who has scored 21 goals for Australia in 46 appearances, admitted that helping Australia beat off the challenge of Qatar, South Korea, Japan and the United States would cap anything he has achieved on the field.

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"I admit there would be tears of emotion.

"After working so hard as a footballer on and off the pitch it would be a dream come true, but most of all it would make the dreams of kids in Australia come true."

Cahill scored twice in the 2006 finals in Germany where Australia reached the last 16.

He was controversially sent off against Germany in the Socceroos opening group match against Germany in South Africa 2010 before returning to score against Serbia.

It was not enough for his team to progress, but Cahill said South Africa did a superb job as hosts.

"South Africa was a fantastic experience that opened my eyes to different cultures, the magic of football brings everyone together," he added.

Australia and the other bidders for 2018 and 2022 will not be able to rely on the support of the Oceania Football Confederation (OFC).

Its delegate, Reynald Temarii, has decided to appeal against his suspension from FIFA's executive committee.

Temarii was suspended along with Amos Adamu of Nigeria, president of the West African Football Union, after a report in the Sunday Times alleged they were prepared to sell their votes for the 2018 finals.

The acting president of the OFC, David Chung, had expected to take his place, but was told by football's world governing body that he could not vote while the appeal process was still continuing.

It will leave 22 executive members to decide on both hosting decisions.

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