The Socceroos booked their four-yearly World Cup date with destiny on Tuesday, surviving a scare from a 10-man Solomon Islands side for a 2-1 win in their Oceania qualifier.

Australia's hard-fought victory in the second leg of the qualifier at Lawson Tama Stadium gave it a 9-1 aggregate win to secure a berth in November's World Cup playoff against South American opposition.

But new coach Guus Hiddink was unimpressed with the performance by a team featuring five changes from the starting line-up which routed the Solomons 7-0 in Sydney on Saturday.

Hiddink said several players had been well below par in the match played in oppressive, humid conditions.

"We weren't going to make seven goals again because of the heat, but you have to control the match like real professionals," Hiddink said.

"There were a few who were very committed in these circumstances, but also there were some who have to come to a higher level."

After Australia led 1-0 at halftime courtesy of a goal from Archie Thompson, the game came alive early in the second half when Socceroos defender Lucas Neill conceded a penalty after fouling striker Henry Fa'arodo in the box.

The resulting spot-kick by Commins Menapi was saved by Australian keeper Zeljko Kalac but in the ensuing ruckus around the ball Solomons player George Lui was sent off for kicking Kalac.

Then Singaporean referee Maidin Chamsul ordered the kick be retaken after his linesman told him Kalac had moved off his line before the initial attempt - much to the annoyance of the Socceroos.

Fa'arodo stepped up for the second attempt and made no mistake in levelling the scores to send the 20,000-plus fans in the stands and hillside surrounding the stadium into raptures.

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