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Verbeek will cut his 31-man squad down to a minimum 27-man travelling party for South Africa later this afternoon before naming the final 23-man squad on June 1 when the Socceroos face Denmark in the first of two friendlies in South Africa - the other being against the United States on June 5 - prior to their opening group game at the World Cup against Germany on June 13.

But while Verbeek was missing six first choice players in Mark Schwarzer, Josh Kennedy, Harry Kewell, Luke Wilkshire, Scott Chipperfield and Brett Emerton against the Kiwis - several other key Socceroos looked particularly rusty after little club football in recent times including Craig Moore and Vince Grella.

Verbeek chose his strongest possible XI - discounting the six unavailable regulars - in the first half yet it was during this period that New Zealand were dominant, taking a 1-0 lead at half-time before the Socceroos' second-stringers, who are desperate to force their way into the 23-man squad, came on in the second half to rescue a 2-1 win.

However Verbeek said he is far from worried about Australia's ordinary display against a New Zealand side ranked 58 places below it on FIFA's world rankings.

"I know we trained hard during this week but you expect more from the players and they started very rusty," Verbeek admitted.

"There was no confidence, no communication and the things they normally do very well were not there.

"But if we were to play in the World Cup in three or four days I should get worried but we still have three weeks (to get ready) so we are still on track."

Verbeek admitted Australia did not deserve to win the game - which was achieved only through a goal by the much-criticised Brett Holman (only his second goal for the Socceroos in 30 appearances) with virtually the last kick of the match.

"It was good to finish the game like that but that (the win) is just for statistics," he said indicating a 1-1 draw would have been a fairer result on the balance of play.

However Verbeek surprisingly chose not to make too much of Holman's matchwinning contribution even though he has been the Dutch-based attacking midfielder's strongest supporter amidst constant criticism from fans that Holman has already had too many opportunities at national level without taking them.

"You all look that he scores goals but I think Brett is the type of player that plays for the team and normally lets other players score so again it's good for the team and good for him but (it doesn't mean) any more than that for me," Verbeek said.

Holman and Dario Vidosic, who scored the equalising goal in what was his first goal for the Socceroos, may well have played their way into the final 23-man squad following their heroics on Monday night.

Reserve goalkeeper Eugene Galekovic and at least two others are expected to be cut from the squad later on Tuesday while if Verbeek only decides to take 27 players to South Africa then James Holland could be axed. Tommy oar and Shane Lowry's place are also in doubt.

Sydney FC marquee target Nick Carle has already reportedly been told he will not be going to South Africa after failing to make it onto the pitch last night. .

A further four players will be then cut from the final squad on June 1 with defender Rhys Williams and midfielder Richard Garcia - who both missed the New Zealand game through injury - likely to struggle to make the final squad although Verbeek has admitted the pair will travel to South Africa.

If those two, as expected, fail to make the final squad that will mean just two others will have to be cut.

And those two players appear most likely to be back-up defender Jade North and fourth string striker Nikita Rukavytsya although the former Perth Glory striker could make the final squad given the Socceroos' lack of striking options in which case Verbeek would have to sacrifice one of his midfielders.

In that case it would probably come down to either Mile Jedinak or Carl Valeri, although both were impressive against the Kiwis when coming on in the second half on Monday night and would be unlucky to be cut from the final squad.

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