Awer Mabil said his key penalty in Australia's shootout win over Peru was a "thank you" to the country that welcomed his family after they fled Sudan.
The 26-year-old scored Australia's sixth penalty in sudden death, then stood by as Andrew Redmayne denied the South Americans, ensuring the Socceroos' fifth successive World Cup appearance.
Mabil's journey from a Kenyan refugee camp to the showcase finals in Qatar later this year will be amazing, and he dedicated his penalty to the country that took in his family in 2006.
"I had a feeling I was going to score. It was the only way I could express my gratitude to Australia on behalf of my entire family "He expressed this after the match on Monday, which ended in a 0-0 draw after extra time.
"I was born in a hut, albeit a little one. My hotel room here is significantly larger than the hut, which served as our family's living quarters at the refugee camp.
"The fact that Australia took us in and resettled us offered myself, my siblings, and my entire family a second opportunity at life.
"That's what I mean when I say I'm grateful to Australia for giving my family the chance to live a normal life."
Mabil was born in a Kenyan refugee camp after his family fled Sudanese turmoil, surviving on one meal a day as a child, but found solace in football and hopes that his contribution would inspire future refugees.
"I scored, a lot of my teammates scored, everyone contributed, and maybe that refugee kid contributed a lot," he remarked.
Australia is in Group D for the World Cup, alongside France, Denmark, and Tunisia, with their first match against Didier Deschamps' reigning champions on November 22.
"I scored, a ton of my partners scored, everybody contributed, and perhaps that exile kid contributed a ton," he commented.
Australia is in Group D for the World Cup, close by France, Denmark, and Tunisia, with their most memorable match against Didier Deschamps' defending champs on November 22.