As has been the case for much of Pim Verbeek's reign, the Socceroos may not have looked at their very best, but this was all about getting the job done, and a 14th point for the campaign, albeit in a goalless match, was enough to secure Australia as one of 32 nations at next year's showpiece in South Africa.

Earlie, Japan became the first team to qualify courtesy of a 1-0 win over Uzbekistan in Tashkent.

The game may have lacked the drama of the penalty shootout success over Uruguay four years ago which secured Australia passage to its first World Cup in 32 years, but the result was just as sweet.

Solid efforts by star players Tim Cahill and Harry Kewell were the highlights of a match which never reached great heights. Australia was the dominant side, but never created anything to seriously worry the home side.

After a somewhat ragged start, Australia took firm control of the game in the middle of the first half and could have easily had the lead on 27 minutes.

Cahill had been given too much space in the box and after flipping the ball up in the air, was able to execute a close to perfect bicycle kick which hit the post, with Qatari keeper Qusam Burhan completely stranded.

Three minutes later Kewell could have scored but his shot from a tight angle went over the bar, while Carl Valeri's goal-bound effort from long range on 32 minutes was deflected over by a Qatari defender. Australia also had several chances from set pieces, but the Socceroos were unable to breach the home side's defence.

Qatar's best first-half chances both fell to Sebastian Quintana. The Uruguayan-bred striker was left alone in the box on 18 minutes but fired wide, while it took Cahill's intervention on 37 minutes to deflect his powerful shot over the bar.

Early in the second half Ali Afif popped a free kick over the bar, while Cahill's tame shot was cleared off the line. On 57 minutes, Cahill latched onto a loose ball forcing a strong save from Qusam, before heading over from the subsequent corner. Josh Kennedy then almost lobbed the Qatari keeper a minute later.

Australia's momentum was building and when a clever long pass from Vince Grella allowed Harry Kewell a shot on goal just after the hour, it was clear the Socceroos were well on top.

Kewell continued to be heavily involved for the remainder of the match, but couldn't manage to find the net. He forced a defensive error, but then couldn't score, while a one-two with Cahill came to nothing.

Qatar's chances were few and far between in the final 45 minutes and Australia kept a clean sheet for the sixth straight match. Mark Schwarzer was untroubled and a spot in South Africa 2010 was secured with ease.

Australia now plays Bahrain in Sydney on Wednesday night before a final qualifying match against Japan in Melbourne on June 17.