After a nervy first half the Socceroos captain took the game by the scuff of the neck with a deflected free kick (53') and two penalties (72', 85') to defeat Honduras 3-1 and book Australia's place at Russia 2018.

A late goal by Alberth Elis (94') proved little consolation for the visitors who were still very much in the contest at the break when the scores were deadlocked 0-0.

Draped in the Australian flag and holding the match ball, the man dubbed Captain Courageous, struggled to put the moment into words.

"It's a bit hard to describe - it's unreal," Jedinak told Fox Sports post-match.

"We knew it was always going to be a difficult qualification campaign but this makes it very very special. To do it in front of our home fans in such a do or die contest.

"We didn't really want it that way but it happened and we're very grateful that we're going to another world cup."

Australia v Honduras player ratings
Jedinak fires Socceroos through to fourth straight World Cup

Almost 80,000 fans watched on as the Socceroos finally put to bed an arduous 22-game qualification campaign at ANZ Stadium in the second leg of the intercontinental playoff.

Along the way the outfit had to fend off plenty of flak for their failure to automatically qualify from the group stage.

Having taken the long hard road to Russia, the result proved all the sweeter for the 33-year-old Aston Villa man.

Jedinak added: "It's extra special - it was our duty as the players to get this job done. We were sent out on a task two-and-a-half years ago... and we stuck to our guns and we got here in the end.

"Now it's time to enjoy this moment and look forward to what is going to be a big 2018.

"To be honest it wouldn't have mattered who scored. I'm happy to chip in...but look we got the job done tonight and that's what matters."