Coach claims credit as Australia go to Brazil 2014

Australia’s football coach Holger Osieck (C) escorts his team during an event to celebrate their 2014 World Cup qualification in Sydney on June 19, 2013. Australia secured their place at the 2014 World Cup finals in Brazil on June 18 with a late strike from Josh Kennedy firing them to a tense 1-0 win over an under-strength Iraq at Stadium Australia. SAEED KHAN/AFP/Getty Images

Coach Holger Osieck claimed vindication for his methods after Australia qualified for the 2014 World Cup in Brazil with a last-gasp header.

“I know what I’m doing,” he told reporters after the Socceroos squeezed past Iraq 1-0 before a sellout 80,00 crowd at Stadium Australia on Tuesday night.

“It gave me a beautiful feeling and I must admit that I am very proud that I am part of this.”

The German has rarely been popular and copped plenty of criticism during qualifying when the Socceroos lost to Jordan and drew twice with lowly Oman.

But he was feted by several hundred fans at a Sydney Harbour public reception Wednesday afternoon.

“We will make you proud for sure,” he vowed before his squad mingled with supporters on Circular Quay.

Football Federation Australia chief executive David Gallop told the crowd: “This is important for Australian football. This is important for Australian sport. This is important for our nation.”

Hours earlier when Osieck withdrew talisman and top scorer Tim Cahill with 13 minutes left on the clock, there where howls of disapproval. Veteran Cahill showed his displeasure too.

However sub Josh Kennedy saved the day nodding home the 83rd-minute winner from Mark Bresciano’s cross that put Australia into their third consecutive finals.

“When you have 10 people, you have 10 different opinions. When you have 100 people, you have 100 different opinions. Why should I care (what people think)?” the coach said.

“I know what I’m doing, I’m close to the players, I know the situations.

“There’s a lot of aspects that come into play here but I can assure you that I am pretty much on top of it.”

Nagoya Grampus striker Kennedy had barely figured on Osieck’s recent teamsheets and struggled to find words post-match.

“I really don’t know what to say,” the lanky striker admitted. “It’s amazing.”

The Australian newspaper hailed the coach with the headline “Osieck masterstroke starts the samba”.

Osieck said he was ready to party and leave further analysis for later.

“I know there’s going to be a tough year ahead of us in order to get ready, but tonight I think we have the right and privilege to enjoy our qualification.”

He kept faith in the side that finally found the net in crushing Jordan 4-0 in Melbourne last week.

But the team has an average age of just over 30 and questions are already being asked about “Dad’s Army”.

Australia’s most capped player Mark Schwarzer will be 41 come next year’s showpiece, and may become the oldest goalkeeper to play in a World Cup.

“Australia’s old guard survived a barrage of criticism … and emerged with a strong case that, for now at least, that they are still the nation’s best,” said The Sydney Morning Herald.

“A new chapter of hard work now begins,” the daily added. “There is an acceptance the squad needs to lift a gear or two.”

Australia next play in the East Asian Cup in July against Asian giants Japan, South Korea and China.