They qualified after a penalty shoot-out victory over Uruguay in a play-off which erased the terrible memories of three successive defeats at the same stage previously.
Coach Guus Hiddink, who was also still PSV Eindhoven manager throughout the qualifiers, has taken Holland and South Korea to the semi-finals in the previous two tournaments.
The Socceroos will feature a number of recognisable names with Mark Schwarzer, Lucas Neill, Tim Cahill, Mark Viduka, Craig Moore, Harry Kewell and Brett Emerton all currently playing in the Premiership.
Manager: Guus Hiddink
One to watch: Tim Cahill
World ranking: 42
Previous tournaments: 1
Best finish: Group stage (1974)