To see the 'Roos triumphant return...

Lowy, who will officially launch Australia's World Cup bid at Parliament House on Sunday, said on-field success would make 'a great difference' when FIFA meets to decide future Cup hosts.

After 32 years of failure and frustration, Australia has now reached successive World Cup finals for the first time.

"I think it's essential (if we are) to get the World Cup in 2018 or '22 here, that we have to keep winning," he said. "Everyone wants to be with a winner.

"They (FIFA) recognise Australia for what it is. We have made a lot of friends."

FFA chief executive Ben Buckley is excited about what a second consecutive World Cup appearance will do for the game in Australia.

The Socceroos' exploits at Germany in 2006 led to a huge increase in interest in football and unprecedented backing from the corporate sector.

"It's almost immeasurable," Buckley said when asked what qualifying for South Africa 2010 means for the game domestically.

"There is no doubt that participating in the World Cup helps raise the profile of the game, helps us create heroes that youngsters aspire to be.

"The benefit of actually participating in a World Cup is immeasurable as it relates to promotion of the game, development of the game and building profile for the game.

"We are delighted with the result and obviously it's a big boost for the game moving forward.

"Participating in the world's biggest sporting event has some indirect benefit over time."

To see the 'Roos triumphant return...