“It was a really unique feeling come off the pitch afterwards into the changing rooms, sitting down with Mile (Jedinak) and just saying, ‘We know we probably could have done better’,” Cahill told reporters after the semi-final win in Newcastle.
“It wasn't too upbeat. Nobody is really getting carried away… When we look at the game today, are we really happy with the way we play? Not really.”
But having the chance to make football history is putting a smile on the talisman’s face as the Asian Cup final – in the city he was born – is to be played at Sydney’s Stadium Australia.
"Finally, for that to happen, to have the backing of everyone, is going to be amazing - but it's only what we deserve, purely for footballing reasons," he said.
“I'm not going to focus on Korea, I've never focused on any team we've played,” he added.
“I'm going to focus on us. I'm going to focus on recovery and the boys being as fit as possible and really understanding the position we're in.
“If we dictate games with our intensity, our style of football and the way we move the ball, it's going to be very hard for any team to play us.
“Congratulations to Korea but it's going to be all about us - the way we prepare, apply ourselves and the consistency we've shown throughout this tournament.”
Cahill added the crowd would be a factor in helping Australia but ultimately it was about the Socceroos executing their high-intensit game plan and taking their chances when they come.
"We had 20,00-odd people [in Newcastle], it didn't matter where we played or where you put us, it's going to be a special moment for all of us playing in Sydney, with our family.
“But our mindset is all about winning and to win the right way, playing football and what we believe in. It's going to be a big night.”