Connor Metcalfe Responds to US Media Criticism Ahead of World Cup

Connor Metcalfe has had enough.

As the Socceroos settled into San Diego ahead of the World Cup, the midfielder cut through the noise that has followed Australia across the Pacific, led by a familiar American voice.

“I've seen all the US stuff and I'm just sick of it, to be honest,” he said, bristling at the latest round of dismissals from the United States’ media and former players. “Let's just wait for the game. Whatever happens, happens. It's just so much rubbish, honestly. I'm just sick of it.”

The trigger this time was Alexi Lalas. The former USA defender, now a prominent pundit, had branded Australia “an average team by any measure” in the build-up to the tournament. It followed earlier barbs from ex-striker Landon Donovan, who called Socceroos coach Tony Popovic “smug” and confidently predicted Australia would finish bottom of their group.

Inside the Australian camp, the rhetoric has started to grate. Outside it, the narrative is clear: the USA expects to roll them.

Dress rehearsal in San Diego

Before that collision, Australia has work to do. A midday friendly against Switzerland in San Diego will serve as both a final tune-up and a dry run for the World Cup showdown with the USA, which kicks off at the same 12pm slot later in the tournament.

“It's actually a good dress rehearsal for us, with travelling, with food, with training, with our meetings,” Popovic explained, treating the Swiss clash as a full logistical simulation, not just another warm-up game.

The coach’s plan is not only about systems and shape. It is also about spreading minutes across the squad and accelerating the integration of one of the most talked-about names in Australian football this year.

Volpato steps into the frame

Cristian Volpato will finally pull on the green and gold at senior level, Popovic confirmed, after his headline-grabbing switch from Italy just days before the World Cup squad was announced.

The Sassuolo winger did not feature in the 1–0 loss to Mexico last week. He has been catching up ever since.

“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 selection stirred debate well beyond the training pitch. Some supporters revisited an old social media post he made when Australia lost to Japan, questioning his commitment to the national shirt. Inside the dressing room, though, the mood is very different.

“It's been pretty smooth sailing. I mean, he's come in, he's a really nice, relaxed guy,” Metcalfe 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 calculus is simple: talent on the ball, minutes in the legs, noise left at the door.

Swiss turbulence before kick-off

On the other side of the halfway line, Switzerland’s own preparations have hit a snag of a very different kind.

Breel Embolo, their powerful striker and one of the central threats in Murat Yakin’s attack, was initially barred from travelling with the squad due to a visa issue. Just hours before the team’s scheduled departure, US officials informed Embolo he could not board the flight after his ESTA — the automated travel authorisation used by many visitors to the United States — was rejected because of a criminal conviction.

The disruption forced a scramble. Embolo stayed behind, met with US officials during the week, and eventually received approval to travel. His record for Switzerland — 23 goals in 85 appearances — underlines why his absence, even temporarily, sent a jolt through the Swiss camp.

Now, with Embolo cleared and Australia sharpening its edges, San Diego becomes more than a friendly backdrop. It is a staging ground.

The Americans have called the Socceroos “average.” Metcalfe and his teammates have heard every word. The real reply will not come from a microphone, but under the midday sun when the World Cup finally begins to ask its own questions.