The Socceroos have returned from their do-or-die mission to Qatar, with the young family of hero goalkeeper Andrew Redmayne surprising him at Sydney Airport for an emotional reunion.
Redmayne's save ensured the Socceroos won a penalty shootout to triumph over Peru in their playoff, avoiding missing out on qualifying for the FIFA World Cup for the first time in 20 years.
Instead, they'll return to the scene of that historic victory for the World Cup in November.
In the meantime, those who play club football in the northern hemisphere, including Ajdin Hrustic, Jackson Irvine and Bailey Wright, are preparing to reunite with their teammates for pre-season.
Other Socceroos based in Australia will enjoy a bit more of a break on home soil.
Socceroos diehards intent on giving the Aussies a heroes' welcome joined Redmayne's family at the airport on Wednesday evening.
Kye Rowles, Craig Goodwin and captain Mathew Ryan, who subbed out for Redmayne before the penalty shootout, were among the other Socceroos returning to Sydney.
Graham Arnold's gamble to swap his captain out for a penalty shootout specialist with only two previous Socceroos caps proved as effective as it was daring.
The Socceroos now turn their attention to the World Cup itself, where they have drawn into the same group as Tunisia, Denmark and reigning champions France.
Football Australia has already confirmed Australia will face New Zealand for two friendlies in September that are set to serve as World Cup preparation.
New Zealand won't feature at the World Cup, having been knocked out of the race to qualify by Costa Rica.
