Tony Popovic will travel with the Australian team to Germany next summer as the Socceroos booked their World Cup spot with a dramatic penalty shoot-out win over Uruguay.
The Aussies had been trailing Uruguay 1-0 from the first leg, but a 34th minute goal from Marco Bresciano proved enough to take the game all the way to spot kicks.
Mark Schwarzer was the hero in the match at the Telstra Stadium, Sydney, as he saved two of Uruguay’s penalties.
Poppa’s role by that time had been reduced to that of spectator, as he was forced off injured in the 32nd minute.
Australia have not participated in a World Cup Finals since their first appearance, way back in 1974.
Should Popovic play during the World Cup, he will become only the second Palace player to have done so. Gregg Berhalter played twice for the United States during the 2002 tournament.