Australia captain Mile Jedinak said his side had "stuck to our guns" after scoring a hat trick in the 3-1 playoff win over Honduras in Sydney that secured a place at the World Cup.
After a goalless draw in the first leg, Ange Postecoglou's side had too much for the Central Americans and their impressive second-half display sparked great celebrations in a 77,000 crowd at the ANZ Stadium.
Aston Villa midfielder Jedinak broke the deadlock on 53 minutes with a deflected free kick before adding another goal with a penalty and then clinching his treble with a second spot kick.
Honduras captain Maynor Figueroa netted a consolation for the visitors but the night belonged to Australia and Jedinak told the official Socceroos website: "It was our duty as a nation of football players to get this job done.
"We set out on a task two-and-a-half years ago -- we stuck to our guns and we got there.
"This is special, to do it in front of our home fans in a do-or-die contest.''
Veteran attacking midfielder Tim Cahill added: "We wanted to show what we stand for -- not just for the last two-and-a-half years of qualifying, but for the past four years.
"I feel like a young kid. I know I am 38 next month, but it is my job to put my body on the line for this team.
"To help my country qualify for four World Cups is something I will be proud of when I get even older. I am indebted to this country for allowing me to follow my dreams."
Postecoglou told Fox Sports: "When you are coaching your own nation, the burden of responsibility is even greater.
"We deserve to be there, the players deserve to be there. They have done it the hard way, but they got their rewards tonight."