The New Zealand men's Futsal side is still getting used to having the Oceania Nations Cup trophy in their cabinet.
"It's a nice one to have," said coach Marvin Eakins.
"We haven't had our fingers on it before and I guess the meaning behind the trophy, which is that ticket to the World Cup."
The Futsal Whites won the Oceania Nations Cup for the first time after beating Tahiti 5-nil in the decider in Takanini last month - a moment captain Dylan Manickum said has been a long time coming.
"To me, obviously, I've been trying for 13 years," Manickum said.
"My first one [Oceania Nations Cup] was 2011, for the rest of the boys it's been, some of them eight years. We've been working so hard for it for so long that it's an emotional time for everyone and everyone was just really happy."
The victory was bittersweet for Eakins too, who was previously a Futsal White himself.
"It did have a moment when I was like, 'thank god, we've done it'. I was kind of a little bit jealous in a way."
Manickum said it's great to have Eakins in charge, having given so much to the team over the years.
"When I started playing he was the captain so I think for him it's wonderful he can be involved as the coach and lead this team forward."
The team's aim now is to go from being qualifiers to competitive. New Zealand was the first to book a ticket behind hosts Uzbekistan in the 24-team tournament set to kick off next September.
"We'll have a couple of camps throughout the year. We already train fortnightly. The harder part is how we connect with those players that are overseas in different environments." Said Eakins.
World Cup qualification also means a financial boost from FIFA. Although that amount hasn't been disclosed, Eakins said it'll ensure a valuable build up.
"Any resource that helps the players be supported and helps us get international games in the lead in will critical in that success."
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