The things I remember most about that World Cup are Senegal, and Ronaldinho's free kick.
CONCACAF's three automatic spots makes it way easier to qualify than OFC's 1/2 spot against the fourth placed CONMEBOL team. Australia's loss against Iran was completely our fuck-up, but the playoffs against quality South American opponents (Argentina with Maradona FFS!) once every four years, with no quality opposition in between; was brutal. I'm glad we got our of OFC, and into AFC. Personally I think OFC should be merged with AFC, and AFC split into West AFC, and East AFC. Australia played the most games in World Cup qualification history, and travelled the most distance (even before the extra games) in qualification history, to qualify for this World Cup.
Australia didn't play at the World Cup for 32 years, and our return in 2006 is one of the greatest moments in Australian sporting history. We've qualified for every one since.