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Australia trailed 1-0 at half time at the MCG but managed to rescue a result thanks to Vidosic's 56th minute effort and Holman's goal in the last second of the game.

Holman gave the performance barely a pass mark, but insists that the team will improve in upcoming matches against Denmark and the USA ahead of the World Cup.

"I think there's plenty of room for improvement. I think there's a lot of improvement, that was maybe a five or six out of 10. We've definitely got a long way to go, but it's a good start," he said.

Vidosic, who described his first goal for his country as the highlight of his short career, said that it will take some time for the Socceroos line-up to gel.

"Everyone's come from their own clubs, they've had their own different tactics there so now we've had a bit of time, everyone is learning a bit more about one another and it's getting better and better every day," he said.

While Australia's performance may have been criticised, there was no blame attached to either Holman or Vidosic, who put in excellent rehearsals as they bid to be part of Pim Verbeek's final 23-man squad.

"It was overwhelming it was such an unbelievable feeling," Vidosic said. "It's unbelievable to be playing for the national team and such a lot of fans, it was unbelievable how loud it was in the stadium, it was just great.

"My family was there, it was great to have them there. I had a few other friends there too."

Vidosic said there was plenty of motivation to perform at his best after being given a rare opportunity to start a match with the Socceroos.

"I think every time you put on the green and gold and especially playing at home. I am one of those players who likes to get on the ball and beat a few players. I got a bit tired in the second half. All in all it was a good night not just for me, but the team," he said.

"I think it's the coaching staff we want to impress. There's no point of the fans think I play great and the coach thinks I didn't play good. In the end we want to impress Pim and he's the one who knows the most about football.

"Over the last year I've been with the coaching staff, he and the coaching staff have helped me heaps."

For Holman it was somewhat of a night of redemption. So often misunderstood by the footballing public, he showed with his second half substitutes appearance, and his crucial goal, what has made him a permanent part of Verbeek's plans over the past two and half years.

"When you do get a chance for half a game, you try to impress as much as possible. To grab a goal at the end is always good, and hopefully that pushes my claim to get into the 23," he said.

"You only get 45 minutes and there's spots up for grabs. You've got to prove everybody wrong and prove that you deserve to be in that 23."

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