The 37-year-old ended his own personal goal drought to fire home a brace and put Australia through to an intercontinental playoff for Russia 2018.

If they get past that hurdle it will the Socceroos, and probably Cahill's, fourth straight World Cup appearance.

His campaign-saving headers came in the 13th and 109th minute after Syria opened the scoring just six minutes into the match for a 2-1 result to the home side.

Legend: Cahill keeps World Cup dream alive

Socceroos v Syria pic special

Socceroos player rating vs Syria

"It was more mentally tough," he told Fox Sports post-match.

"This is where you ask questions of your players, anyone with a bit of conviction will score in these games and im thankful for the boss for leaving me out there."

Cahill, used as an impact player for many of the matches, wore the armband and played the full 120 gruelling minutes.

Taking his tally of national goals to 50, the Socceroos' talisman again drew of his legendary ability to steal a victory at the final gasp. And was ably assisted by two pinpoint crosses from Mat Leckie and Robbie Kruse. . 

"Yeah it's amazing I think it’s a responsibility I know the defenders are going to be scared not just because I’m Tim Cahill," he said.

"I give my passion and I wear my heart on my sleeve, I run to the end for this manager (Ange Postecoglou) and in the end I get the rewards.

"It shouldn’t matter who we play we have to take the net level as a group of players, this four-year journey has been amazing and its all due to the boss.

"I knew I was going to score, you put yourself in those positions and its like waiting for a bus. I didn’t run too much but I was in the right position."