"This is a massive achievement for Slovenia - for the promotion of our country," Rudonja added.
"Everyone now knows that Slovenia play football, that Slovenia is somewhere in Europe.
"This is the biggest kind of promotion for a country as small and as young as ours.
"This means so much and Slovenes are aware of that - they are all behind us.
"This is the biggest event for our country in the past decade.
"As a Slovene it is difficult to describe certain things with words.
"But, for me, making the World Cup is something phenomenal, absolutely unforgettable which happens only once in your life."
Katanec is held in high esteem by his charges, and Rudonja in particular.
"Turbo Rudi" played 52 matches for Slovenia without scoring and Katanec once remarked that if Rudonja did ever score he would resign.
Fortunately Katanec, a former star with Serie A side Sampdoria, did not keep his word.
"Srecko is a great coach," Rudonja said.
"Even though he is young, he has lots of experience. He knows us very well.