Socceroo Brett Holman has a simple message for those who shout "boring football" at coach Pim Verbeek and the team.

"I don't think the Italians are worried about how they won the World Cup - as long as they're carrying the trophy back to Italy," Holman told AAP.

"They don't play like Brazil, they defend like hell, they score one goal and that's enough.

"If we won every game 1-0 and took a trophy back to Australia, I don't think too many people would be complaining.

"I don't agree with or understand the bad media Pim Verbeek has copped."

Holman helped seal Australia's unconvincing 2-1 win over New Zealand in Melbourne last week with his late winner - perhaps silencing a few critics of his own.

Castigated for sometimes wasting his hard work and ability to take up good positions, the attacking midfielder netted his second goal in 30 internationals and looks set for regular use off the bench once Australia's World Cup campaign starts on June 13 against Germany.

It's safe to say Holman - admired by Socceroos coaching staff for his workrate and the energy he brings in training sessions and games - is no fan favourite.

Born and bred in western Sydney and toughened from eight seasons of making good in Holland's top-flight, Holman is forthright enough to talk openly about it too.

Truth is it's hard not to be aware of your status as a fan whipping boy when you are the subject of a Facebook site called "Brett Holman is a joke".

But the 26-year-old believes regardless of what fans say, he and those closest to him are tougher taskmasters than any supporter, constantly marking out the areas he needs to improve.

He would love nothing better than to win a Socceroos starting position at the World Cup, lift a goalscoring output he readily admits needs work, and perhaps attract a few more people to his corner in the process.

"I've been selected every game we've had to qualify with the Socceroos and that was a goal of mine after Germany - to make the next one in South Africa," Holman said.

"You saw with Luke Wilkshire four years ago how he was a dark horse and how fantastically he's progressed until now.

"I'd like to think if I get a chance I can fill in a role, show something the Australian fans haven't seen."

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