Socceroos midfielder Connor Metcalfe has had enough of the barbs coming from United States pundits ahead of the World Cup. Since Australia were drawn in Group D alongside co-hosts USA in December, the Socceroos have been a target for American commentators.
Metcalfe Fires Back at US Critics
Former US striker Landon Donovan labelled Australian coach Tony Popovic as “smug” and predicted the Socceroos would finish last in the group behind the US, Turkey, and Paraguay. “Thanks for coming, Aussies and your smug coach – you can get back on the Qantas airplane and head back home, pal,” he quipped.
CBS pundit Mike Grella described the Australia fixture as a “lay-up” for Mauricio Pochettino’s world No. 16 American side. This week, former US international Alexi Lalas added fuel to the fire by calling the 27th-ranked Socceroos an “average team” after their 1-0 loss to Mexico.
While Popovic has laughed off the jibes, his players are clearly motivated. “I mean, I’ve seen all the US stuff, and I’m just sick of it, to be honest – I just am,” Metcalfe said on the eve of the friendly against Switzerland. “Like all this talk – it’s just – let’s just wait for the game, whatever happens, happens. It’s just so much rubbish and I’m just sick of it. So we’ll just wait and we’ll play – it’ll be a good game.”
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In October, the US defeated Australia 2-1 in Colorado, a fiery and physical match that marked Popovic’s first loss as Socceroos coach. US defender Chris Richards squared up to Socceroo Jason Geria after captain Christian Pulisic was injured in a challenge.
Popovic confirmed Cristian Volpato is “fit and available” to face Switzerland after arriving late to camp. The attacker, who switched allegiance from Italy, is expected to get minutes. “There’s no doubts about him as a person or as a player,” Popovic said. “We’ve just got to get him fit.”
Metcalfe dismissed concerns about Volpato’s late change of allegiance causing issues within the squad. “It’s been pretty smooth sailing. He’s a really nice, relaxed guy. We see it online and we know the past, but we’re not here to talk about that. Whatever’s said is done, so it’s fine.”
The Socceroos face Switzerland in a friendly before their World Cup opener against Turkey, with the much-anticipated clash against the US scheduled for 19 June.
