John Aloisi said he knew Australia would qualify for the World Cup for the first time since 1974 ahead of their dramatic win over Uruguay in Sydney. Aloisi struck the winning penalty in a tense shoot-out after both teams had won their home play-off leg 1-0.
The ex-Coventry striker said: "We thought it was going to happen, we've been dreaming about it for 32 years.
"We had 20 million people following us out there, we just cannot believe we've done it. We're there."
Coach Guus Hiddink, who only took over from Frank Farina in July, said it had been hard work to get to Germany.
 |  Even before the game they were playing games in the tunnel, so it was great to put one over on them |
"It was a huge challenge because we had not that much time to prepare. September, October, November, it was all aimed for this game," said Hiddink.
"It is a huge compliment that they (Australia) were so coachable. At times, they were complaining that we were working too hard. But I think it was worth it."
And Middlesbrough goalkeeper Mark Schwarzer, who saved two penalties in the shoot-out, revealed how Jorge Fossati's team had tried to put Australia off their game.
"The Uruguayans have been playing games since day one, from when we arrived in Uruguay up to Sydney," Schwarzer said.
"Even before the game they were playing games in the tunnel, so it was great to put one over on them."
MMIX
E-mail this to a friend 
Printable version 