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Wales manager Chris Coleman said his side have fulfilled a dream by qualifying for Euro 2016.
A 2-0 defeat by Bosnia-Herzegovina on Saturday proved immaterial as Israel's loss to Cyprus confirmed Wales' place in France next summer.
"It means everything. We've all dreamed about this," Coleman told Sky Sports.
"We've had a lot of disappointments and we've nearly got there but haven't delivered. They've delivered, they deserve it."
Coleman walked onto the pitch at the final whistle in Zenica unaware he had created history by becoming the first manager since Jimmy Murphy in 1958 to lead Wales to the finals of a major tournament.
His side's unbeaten record in Group B had been ended by second-half goals from Milan Duric and Vedad Ibisevic.
But jubilant celebrations soon followed as Cyprus' unexpected victory confirmed Wales would finish in the top two places in the group with one game remaining, against Andorra in Cardiff on Tuesday.
"I was disappointed not to get anything from the game," Coleman added.
"We were gutted coming off because we didn't know what the Israel result was but now we do. And wow, I can't explain how it feels.
"It's an absolute dream. It was the first time we got a bit flustered defensively, but under the circumstances you can understand that.
"But over the campaign, to concede four goals in nine games and two in one game... as a unit, we've been fantastic."
'It doesn't stop here'
Gareth Bale, whose six goals in the nine qualifiers propelled Wales towards France, said the aim now is to prove they can compete against Europe's elite next summer.
"That was the best defeat of my life," said the Real Madrid forward as his team-mates celebrated in front of the Wales fans.
Aaron Ramsey, Wayne Hennessey, Gareth Bale and Joe Ledley have helped Wales qualify with a game to spare
"This is right up there in my career. It was a dream from when I was a small child to play in a major tournament. It doesn't stop here. We have business to do in France.
"We can breathe a sigh of relief and enjoy the occasion. We are like brothers on the pitch. If we lose the ball we fight for it back.
"We can now test ourselves against the best."
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