Bulletin board material doesn’t come much better than this. After months of being labelled a “layup” by American pundits, Australia’s Socceroos get their chance to ram those words down Yankee throats when the sides collide in Seattle on Friday night.
Tony Popovic’s charges have been stewing over the disrespect since December’s World Cup draw, when CBS analyst Mike Grella dismissed the Australians as an easy mark, using basketball terminology for a gimme opportunity. The comment spread like wildfire amongst US media, and it’s been burning in Australian bellies ever since.
Now, with both nations sitting on three points and victory guaranteeing passage to the knockout stages, the Socceroos can deliver the ultimate response where it matters most, on the pitch.
“We know that we want to earn our respect,” Popovic declared at Thursday’s press conference. “We know that by our performances we can put Australian football on the world map, and that’s what we aim to do.”
Turkey roast just the appetiser
Australia already served notice with their opening 2-0 victory over Turkey, arguably the tournament’s first major upset. Built on defensive steel and lethal counter-attacks, typified by goalscorer Nestory Irankunda’s pace, the Socceroos proved they’re nobody’s pushover.
“We started off well against Turkey, winning. Now we want to back it up,” Popovic said. “And we’ll continue striving to do that, to improve our football and improve our standing in how people perceive Australian football.”
It’s a fair point. Whilst Australia dominates globally in cricket, rugby, swimming and countless other sports, football remains the code where they’re still fighting for recognition. Friday presents a golden opportunity to change that narrative.
Pulisic doubt clouds US plans
The Americans stormed past Paraguay 4-1 in their opener, igniting considerable hype amongst a public desperate to see their team make a deep tournament run for the first time since reaching the 2002 quarter-finals.
But there’s a massive cloud hanging over Mauricio Pochettino’s preparations, the fitness of talisman Christian Pulisic. The forward aggravated a training injury during the first half against Paraguay and was hauled off at the interval. He’s been training separately ever since.
“The situation is still evolving,” Pochettino admitted. “We’ll see. If he is not available for tomorrow, he will be available for the next game. But I think he’s doing a massive effort, trying to be ready.”
Unlike certain mouthy pundits, Pochettino and his players have shown proper respect for Friday’s opponents. The Argentine coach referenced how Australia pushed his native country hard in a narrow 2-1 defeat at the 2022 World Cup before Argentina went on to lift the trophy.
“Australia is going to be a really tough opponent,” he said. “Good players, good organisation, great coach.”
Popovic was equally measured when asked about Pulisic’s potential involvement: “I’m sure he’ll play if he’s fit. There’s no doubt he’s one of their best players, an outstanding footballer.”
The diplomatic niceties end at kick-off. Australia aren’t here to make up the numbers – they’re here to prove they belong. And what better way to do that than by dumping the co-hosts out of their own party?
