Connor Metcalfe, the midfielder for the Socceroos, is fed up with the negative remarks directed at Australia from the United States. Since the draw placed Australia in Group D with the co-hosts last December, the team has been subjected to ridicule from American commentators.
Former US striker Landon Donovan criticized Socceroos coach Tony Popovic, labeling him as “smug” and predicting that Australia would finish at the bottom of the group, behind the US, Turkey, and Paraguay. He quipped, “Thanks for coming, Aussies and your smug coach – you can get back on the Qantas airplane and head back home, pal.”
Meanwhile, CBS analyst Mike Grella referred to the upcoming match against Australia as a “lay-up” for the world No. 16 American squad. Adding to the taunts, former US international Alexi Lalas dismissed the Socceroos as an “average team” following their recent 1-0 defeat to Mexico.
While Coach Popovic has brushed off the disparaging comments, it’s clear they’ve ignited a fire within his players. With almost two weeks left until the anticipated match on June 19 (June 20 AEST), Australia is currently focusing on a friendly against Switzerland before facing Turkey in their opening game.
“I’ve seen all the US chatter, and honestly, I’m just sick of it,” Metcalfe expressed ahead of Saturday’s friendly. “This constant talk is pointless—let’s just wait for the game and see what happens.”
“It’s just a load of nonsense, and I’m tired of hearing it. We’ll play the game; it should be exciting. We had a friendly against them before, and it was intense and competitive—probably just like it will be again.”
In their previous encounter in Colorado last October, the US handed Australia their first loss under Popovic, with a fiery 2-1 scoreline. The match featured tense moments, including US defender Chris Richards almost confronting Socceroo Jason Geria after an injury to captain Christian Pulisic.
Popovic confirmed that Cristian Volpato is “fit and available” for the friendly against Switzerland and anticipates him getting playing time, having arrived at the camp late and missed the match against Mexico. He noted Volpato is in top shape since switching allegiance from Italy and joining the team, working to catch up with the conditioning of his teammates.
“There’s no doubt about his abilities as a person or a player,” Popovic stated. “We just need to ensure he’s fit. He hasn’t played much lately and had several days off before joining us.”
“He’s putting in the effort to get up to speed, and we’ve noticed significant progress in the last couple of days,” he added.
When asked whether Volpato’s late switch had caused any tension within the squad, Metcalfe dismissed the notion. “Everything’s been quite smooth. He’s a laid-back and friendly guy,” he mentioned. “We’re aware of the discussions online and the past, but we’re not here to dwell on that. What’s done is done, so we’re all good.”
