To see the 'Roos triumphant return...

When the FFA took over as national governing body from the old Soccer Australia in 2003, the sport was at arguably its lowest ebb.

The national team had once again failed to qualify for a World Cup since 1974, the old national league was on its last legs and the nation was still part of the Oceania Confederation. These factors added to numerous structural and financial problems for the game.

However, since Lowy spearheaded a rescue of the game fortunes have skyrocketed, as the FFA chairman reminded the media today at a packed out press conference to welcome home the victorious Socceroos.

"Just remember, about six years ago when this administration had taken over the game, the achievement is really fantastic," he said.

"Never could I have dreamt we could've achieved back-to-back World Cup qualification in the first six years.

"Of course, there are a lot of other things that have happened in that period of time but it's interesting to remember that the World Cup is 75 years old, and we have qualified some 30-odd years ago once, and we hadn't scored a goal at that time, and now we are here in this World Cup in South Africa.

"This achievement is due of course to the players who are in the frontline. Of course the coach too.

"What is important is that we're there [at the World Cup] in such professional fashion. Obviously the euphoria last time [Australia qualified] was better for a number of reasons  - it was a home game and it was a last second on penalties.

"This time it was deliberate, professional, and well planned and I think the results showed. We all are really, really excited and how thankful we are to our boys."

Socceroo coach Pim Verbeek paid tribute to not only the first XI on the pitch but the entire squad and FFA, describing it as a thoroughly "professional" campaign.

"The support we got over the last 18 months from FFA was outstanding with hotels and planes like Qantas.

"These are not easy trips but I pay a great compliment to the players and the backroom staff. And again I never regret one second signing for Australia."

To see the 'Roos triumphant return...