The Auckland City coach Ramon Tribulietx believes Oceania teams can continue to be competitive at world events like the Club World Cup.
Auckland City FC players celebrate their historic win. Photo: AFP
The O-League champions will play Mexican side Cruz Azul in the play-off for third on Sunday, while their semi final conquerors, San Lorenzo, will meet Real Madrid in the final.
Tribulietx says the gap around the world is closing and the A-League in Australia is certainly helping players in this part of the world.
"Thats providing them with an opportunity to have full-time players. That means that they play in big games every weekend and, us, we are getting better, our league is getting better as well. I'm not surprised - I think it's good for that side of the world. We have been forgotten probably, at football, for a long time but we are putting our heads out there right now and hopefully we will keep on doing that in the near future."