The Roos prevailed 3-1 over Honduras in front of over 77,000 people via three second-half goals.

There is still uncertainty over Postecoglou’s coaching future, however, Kruse said he wanted to play under the Socceroos coach in Russia.

“We feel really happy for the boss, he’s copped a lot of shit in the media,” Kruse said post-match.

“I think in years to come people will look back and see what kind of impact he’s made on the game in Australia. People, particularly in the media haven’t realised that yet.

“We did it playing the way we want to play and I know when we go to the World Cup, hopefully he’s there with us and we can really turn heads.

“I don’t think we were trying to stick it up them, I think everyone wants the same thing and that’s to go to the World Cup.

“It’s just some people can’t see the bigger picture and I think that’s Ange’s biggest quality, he sees the bigger picture and can see two or three steps ahead of everyone else in Australian football.

“I think the boys really wanted to do it for ourselves, but also for him. We’re all backing him to stay on board with us and take us to the World Cup and finish what we started.”

Kruse is now looking forward to Russia after missing out on the 2014 World Cup in Brazil due to an ACL injury that year.

The 29-year-old knows he has had his fair share of critics over the years, but feels proud of what he has achieved.

“I think Australian sports fans always want to find excuses and pick on someone,” he said.

“I’ve had a lot of injuries in my career. I managed to get myself to a massive club in Germany and European football, you don’t do that by luck. I never wavered in my belief and qualities,

“I knew I had to get back playing consistently and I’ve managed to do that now. In Australia it’s the same thing, once they pick someone, they jump on them.

“I’m lucky, I’m mentally strong and I don’t read any of it. Obviously I’m aware of it, but I’ll always stick by thing where we don’t let success go to your head and failure go to your heart.

“I’ve always stayed strong and stuck to my beliefs and I know I’m loved in Germany. It’s a massive footballing nation and I’m able to go to the World Cup now.”