Australian defender Craig Moore is remaining calm despite there being some criticism of his current form. The former Brisbane Roar captain was not at his best in the friendly with New Zealand last week prompting some media outlets to question whether he is up to the rigours of international football but the man himself is full of self-confidence heading into the World Cup which kicks off in just under two weeks time.

''I know I've had criticism, but to be honest it doesn't really bother me,'' the 34-year old said. ''When I look where the criticism is coming from, to me it's, shall we say, uneducated.

"The one real criticism is form and pace, and apart from my last couple of games for Brisbane Roar, I played 60-odd games for them and I was extremely happy with probably 58 of those. Then I went away and my form was good in Greece. I trained really hard over there and without boring the shit out of you, the beep tests and that sort of stuff, I'll tell you speed is not the issue.

''That's why I say the criticism is uneducated. It's not about going to the World Cup to get it up people, but it's certainly something that continues to put fire in my belly. Of course it does.''