Connor Metcalfe Responds to US Critics Before World Cup

Connor Metcalfe has had enough.

As the Socceroos tighten their World Cup preparations on American soil, the Australian midfielder has fired back at a wave of dismissive commentary from the United States, insisting he is “sick” of seeing his team written off before a ball has even been kicked.

The latest jab came from former USA defender Alexi Lalas, who branded Australia “an average team by any measure”. It landed like so many others in recent weeks — loud, confident, and, in the Socceroos’ eyes, disrespectful.

“I've seen all the US stuff and I'm just sick of it, to be honest,” Metcalfe said in San Diego, where Australia faces Switzerland in a key warm-up match. “Let's just wait for the game. Whatever happens, happens.

“It's just so much rubbish, honestly. I'm just sick of it.”

Lalas is not alone. Former USA striker Landon Donovan has already taken aim at coach Tony Popovic, calling him “smug” and tipping Australia to finish bottom of their group. The tone from across the Pacific has been clear: the Socceroos are there to make up the numbers.

Inside the Australian camp, the response is just as clear. They’re not interested in trading barbs, but they are taking notes.

Dress rehearsal in San Diego

Before the showdown with the USA, there’s business to handle against Switzerland in a midday kick-off — a deliberate choice by Popovic and his staff.

Australia’s group-stage clash with the Americans is also scheduled for 12pm, and Popovic sees this Swiss friendly as a full-scale simulation of matchday, right down to the smallest details.

“It's actually a good dress rehearsal for us, with travelling, with food, with training, with our meetings,” he said.

The rhythm of the day matters now. Body clocks, pre-game routines, even how players handle the heat and tempo at that time of day — all of it feeds into a campaign that will not allow for slow starts.

Volpato set for first Socceroos minutes

One of the most intriguing subplots around this camp is Cristian Volpato.

The Sassuolo winger, who stunned many by switching allegiance from Italy to Australia just days before the World Cup squad was named, is finally set to pull on the green and gold for the first time. Popovic confirmed the 20-year-old will get minutes against Switzerland after sitting out the 1–0 loss to Mexico last week.

There is excitement about his talent, but also realism about his physical state.

“He hasn't played a lot of football and he had eight to nine days off before he joined us,” Popovic said. “Comparing [him] to the group, he's probably at the bottom in terms of his conditioning right now.

“He's working hard, he's trying to get up to speed and we've seen some good inroads in the last couple of days.”

Volpato’s call-up has not been universally applauded. Some fans have revisited an old social media post he made when Australia lost to Japan, using it to question his commitment. Inside the squad, that noise is being firmly parked at the door.

Metcalfe, who has had a close look at the newcomer this week, was blunt about any supposed tension.

“It's been pretty smooth sailing. I mean, he's come in, he's a really nice, relaxed guy,” he said.

“We see it online and we know the past and what's been done, but we're not here to talk about that. Whatever's said is done, so it's fine.”

For Popovic, the equation is simple: if Volpato can add creativity and cutting edge in the final third, he plays. The rest is background chatter.

Switzerland’s Embolo cleared after visa scare

On the other side of the halfway line, Switzerland have been juggling their own off-field drama.

Striker Breel Embolo, a key figure in their attack, was initially blocked from travelling with the squad to the United States after his ESTA — the automated travel visa used for tourism — was rejected because of a criminal conviction.

US officials informed Embolo he could not board the flight with his teammates just hours before departure. It was an unwelcome disruption to Murat Yakin’s plans and a potential headache for a side that relies heavily on the forward’s power and movement.

Embolo met with US authorities during the week and has now been cleared to travel, a significant boost for the Swiss. The 27-year-old has scored 23 goals in 85 games for his country and offers a constant threat in behind.

His presence sharpens the test for Australia. A Swiss side close to full strength, a midday kick-off, and an opponent with genuine tournament pedigree — exactly the kind of examination Popovic wants.

For the Socceroos, this is about more than a friendly. It’s a chance to tune their patterns, test their depth, and quietly store away more fuel for the fire lit by American pundits.

The talking has started in the US. Australia now wants to answer in the only place that counts.