Socceroos clinch World Cup berth As big as helping Germany win a World Cup. That's how Socceroos coach Holger Osieck rated the nerve-jangling 1-0 win over Iraq at ANZ Stadium on Tuesday that secured Australia a third successive World Cup berth. The Socceroos' hopes of direct qualification looked to be hanging by a thread until Kennedy headed home a Mark Bresciano cross in the 83rd minute to book Australia a place in next year's showpiece in Brazil. Osieck was the assistant to Franz Beckenbauer when Germany won the 1990 World Cup. He has lifted trophies as the head coach of Canada, guided Turkish sides Kocaelispor and Fenerbahce to domestic success and won the Asian Champions League with Japanese side Urawa Red Diamonds. But of all his accomplishments Osieck rates Tuesday's victory among the best. "I can't rank it," he said when asked where he'd place it on the list of his accolades. Tonight it's the best. I think this one is very special for me for a number of reasons. First of all I like to work for Australian football and I like to work with these boys. Over the years we have really established a very good relationship. Hopefully after today's victory I get at least another year. For much of Tuesday night's match, the Socceroos' hopes of getting to Brazil seemed in doubt. Frustration levels among the 80,523 crowd rose even higher when the Socceroos had a goal disallowed in the second half, with Robbie Kruse's 65th minute volley ruled out. Sensing the urgent need for firepower up front Osieck made three late substitutions: Tom Rogic for the ineffective Brett Holman on the hour, Archie Thompson for Robbie Kruse then Kennedy for Cahill with 13 minutes remaining. The moves proved a masterstroke with Rogic immediately giving the Iraq defence concerns and Kennedy eventually saving the day for Australia with a moment of aerial brilliance. Cahill however, looked less than pleased to be taken off but Osieck, who has copped criticism over time for his team selection and substitutions was, as always, unfazed. "You have to understand that no player ever wants to be taken off but it's my discretion as a coach to make substitutions," he said. You could see that after the game he was one of the happiest people, climbing on my shoulders. I know what I'm doing and I'm close to the players and I'm close to the situation. Kennedy rated the strike the most important of his career. "I really don't know what to say - it's amazing," Kennedy said. Captain Lucas Neill admitted the performance wasn't great, but it was a case of mission accomplished. I'm proud of everybody. It's been a really tough campaign. We've stuck at it, showed mental strength," Neill said. Sorry, it wasn't pretty. But we've beaten what was in front of us and pushed ourselves on to a very exciting tournament. The result secured Australia second place in Asian Group B behind winners Japan, with the top two teams from both groups qualifying for Brazil. And Osieck was intent on just enjoying the moment. "Right now is not the time for any analysis and for any game critics," he said. I know there is going to be a tough year ahead of us in order to get ready but tonight i think we have the right and the privilege to enjoy our qualification.