Tim Cahill became Australia's all-time leading goalscorer on Wednesday night UK time (Thursday morning AEDT).
The 34-year old New York Red Bulls midfielder scored a brace in the Socceroos' eventual 4-3 friendly loss to Ecuador at the home of Millwall FC, The Den, in London to move two goals clear of Damian Mori's old record of 29.
Cahill opened the scoring at his former home in the eighth minute when he was perfectly positioned to nod home Mark Milligan's header into the box to set a new record.
The former Everton star was then involved in the second goal seven minutes later when he was brought down in the area, allowing new captain Mile Jedinak to slot home from the penalty area.
Cahill had the Socceroos three goals ahead just after the half-hour mark when Tommy Oar made a strong run down the left before supplying the veteran with another aerial ball for yet another headed goal, making it 31 in 67 international appearances.
All was rosy at half-time for Ange Postecoglou's Australian side but the second lot of 45 minutes provided a completely different story.
Fidel Martinez pulled one back for the South Americans just over ten minutes into the second half when finishing from close range before substitute goalkeeper Mitch Langerak was sent off after a rush of blood to the head which saw Segundo Castillo convert from the penalty spot, sending Brad Jones the wrong way.
The Ecuadorians then turned the screws with an equalising goal from Enner Valencia before Edison Mendez chimed in with an injury-time winner.
Nevertheless, Cahill got the record he so rightly deserves and took to Twitter to show his gratitude to the Australian public for continuing to support him throughout his extensive career.
One of my proudest moments as a Footballer. To be the all time Leading Goalscorer of my Country. #ThankyouAustraliapic.twitter.com/wE831msiDq
— Tim Cahill (@Tim_Cahill) March 6, 2014
