Connor Metcalfe Responds to US Criticism Ahead of World Cup

Connor Metcalfe has had enough.

On the eve of a World Cup that already has Australia marked down as cannon fodder in some corners of the United States, the Socceroos midfielder has fired back at a narrative he says has gone too far.

“I've seen all the US stuff and I'm just sick of it, to be honest,” Metcalfe said in San Diego, where Australia are preparing for a friendly against Switzerland. “Let's just wait for the game. Whatever happens, happens. It's just so much rubbish, honestly. I'm just sick of it.”

The irritation has been building. Former USA defender Alexi Lalas was the latest to take aim, describing Australia as “an average team by any measure”. Before that, ex-striker Landon Donovan had a swing at Tony Popovic, labelling the Socceroos coach “smug” and predicting Australia would finish last in their group.

The noise has been relentless. Inside the Australian camp, the response is blunt: talk is cheap, kick-off is coming.

Dress rehearsal in San Diego

Before they see the USA, Australia must deal with Switzerland in a midday clash that has been carefully chosen as a dry run for their group-stage meeting with the Americans, which is also scheduled for a 12pm kick-off.

“It's actually a good dress rehearsal for us, with travelling, with food, with training, with our meetings,” Popovic said, outlining a day that will mirror World Cup conditions as closely as possible.

The result will matter, but the minutes might matter more. Popovic is still calibrating his squad, tuning legs and minds for the intensity to come.

One of the most closely watched names will finally step onto the pitch.

Volpato’s first steps in green and gold

Cristian Volpato, the Sassuolo winger whose late decision to represent Australia rather than Italy sent shockwaves through both nations, is set to play his first minutes for the Socceroos.

He did not feature in last week’s 1–0 loss to Mexico, arriving short of peak condition after a quiet spell at club level.

“He hasn't played a lot of football and he had eight to nine days off before he joined us,” Popovic explained. “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 has divided opinion outside the camp. Some fans have not forgotten a social media post he made when Australia lost to Japan, a moment that raised questions about his commitment to the shirt he now wears.

Inside the dressing room, Metcalfe insists the issue barely registers.

“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.”

The message is clear: the squad has moved on. They expect the public to catch up once the football starts.

Switzerland’s visa scare

On the other side of the halfway line, Switzerland’s build-up has had its own drama.

Striker Breel Embolo, one of their key attacking threats, was blocked from boarding the plane with his teammates after US officials rejected his ESTA, the automated travel authorisation used for tourism and short visits. The rejection stemmed from a criminal conviction, forcing Embolo into a race against time just to join the camp.

He stayed behind, met US officials during the week, and finally received approval to travel. Relief for Switzerland, and a timely boost before facing Australia.

Embolo arrives with 23 goals in 85 games for his country, a proven scorer now cleared to test an Australian defence that has heard itself dismissed as “average” all week.

So the stage in San Diego is set: a Socceroos side bristling at American punditry, a new recruit eager to justify a controversial call-up, and a Swiss star who has already had to win one off-field battle just to get on the grass.

Soon enough, the talking stops. Then we find out if all that “rubbish”, as Metcalfe calls it, ends up on the right side of the scoreboard.