November 16 2005

Tony Popovic

Tony Popovic will play in next year's World Cup after Australia qualified for the finals in Germany.

The defender helped Australia beat Uruguay 4-2 on penalties after a 1-1 aggregate scoreline over two legs.

Popovic, who has missed most of this season with a calf injury, played 90 minutes of the first leg and 32 minutes of the second before limping off injured.

Eagles boss Iain Dowie said: "The players and I are delighted for Tony. It is a fantastic achievement.

"To get through against a team like Uruguay is excellent, and playing in the World Cup will be a terrific experience for Tony."

The Socceroos have only once played in a World Cup finals and that was way back in 1974.