Herbert was naturally delighted at seeing his class of 2009 emulate the efforts of the 1982 side he was a part of as a player in reaching the World Cup finals.

For Bahrain the disappointment was reflected in a no-show for the official after-match press conference.

New Zealand's 1-0 win over Bahrain, courtesy of Rory Fallon's first half header,  not only ensured a second appearance at Fifa's showpiece but an estimated $10 million pay day for New Zealand football.

For Herbert, though, it was all about the players.

"I said through the week that I think the special moment was going to be winning this football match and seeing the emotion on the players because when you play you don't see it all - you don't see that landscape and, wow, it was incredible," he said.

"We've all worked hard, we all backed the system that we truly believe was good enough to win it and they've gone and done it. Tonight's about these boys, about a group who believed and have never stopped believing, and their dream continues which is fantastic."

Herbert said the side got off to slow start but quickly came into play,  players stepping up at both ends and 'never deviating from the job'.

The smiling, and relieved looking coach said it was important the financial fillip New Zealand Football will receive from Fifa for qualifying for South Africa next year was well spent.

"We've waited 27 years to resurrect something very important to us. These boys are going to a World Cup," he said.

Herbert also gave the squad of 18 players a vote of confidence in their places for South Africa.

"I would be incredibly surprised if any of these players would be omitted from South Africa."

Goal hero Rory Fallon had failed to convert a chance earlier in the game and wasn't sure another opportunity would come along. "The first one (which was saved) I was quite upset with tonight," he said. "I was afraid I would not get another chance. I have been scoring as well at the club level.

"I was visualising today and I just knew I could do it. I mean that is the belief that Ricky has been on about. The whole team has that belief in what we are doing. Leo put in a great cross for me and I just put it away."