Exactly four years ago as the Socceroos prepared for their World Cup opening match, Tim Cahill was one of the boys.

Now, he's the man.

What happened in that remarkable 2006 match against Japan in Germany - his two late goals which turned looming defeat into the most stunning of victories - elevated Cahill into the upper echelon of Australia's most recognisable sportsmen.

If goals are going to come for Australia at this World Cup, they are most likely to come from Cahill.

Twenty goals in 40 internationals suggests the Everton midfielder will strike at some point during a tournament which could elevate his profile even higher.

His rare ability to conjure goals from midfield with a combination of remarkable timing into the box and a leap which defies his 175cm stature has made him Australia's fan favourite.

Going into the World Cup opener against Germany on Sunday (0430 Mon AEST), he now spruiks Weetbix and Sony televisions and says he's happy to deal with the expectation that goes with his Socceroos status.

But there were signs this week that the pressure of being the man watched by all Australia - and just as closely by Germany's defence when the match kicks off - may be starting to tell on Cahill.

Unhappy with persistent questioning about his injured neck in the lead-up to the World Cup, Cahill made his displeasure known.

"I'm fine, I'm fine," he answered media brusquely.

"I don't want to stand here talking about injuries and questions all the time about injuries, I just want to get on with it."

Perhaps, as he explained it the day afterwards, he doesn't like the drama of injury clouds.

Either way, it was somewhat out of character.

This is a player who after public training sessions in Melbourne and South Africa in the World Cup lead-up has been first to start signing autographs and posing for pictures, and the last to disappear down the players' tunnel.

Several South African visitors to the Socceroos' public training session at Roodepoort admitted they were stunned such a high-profile international could be so generous with his time, especially with younger fans.

"I just take it (the expectation) as a compliment," Cahill said.

"It's brilliant that we can do all this commercially, but the main objective for me as a footballer - I wouldn't be here if I wasn't playing great football domestically and internationally.

"If it's (the pressure) passed on to me then it's a responsibility I'll deal with.

"Without being overly confident, you have to help fulfill people's dreams."

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