Connor Metcalfe responds to US criticism ahead of World Cup
The Guardian Sport • 1 min read • Latest: Jun 6, 2026, 6:50 AM
Last updated Jun 6, 2026
Australia midfielder Connor Metcalfe has publicly criticized US pundits following disparaging remarks directed at the Socceroos. After being drawn in Group D, Metcalfe addressed comments from former US players, including Alexi Lalas, who called the team 'average', and Landon Donovan, who dismissed the team’s chances of advancing. The Socceroos face significant scrutiny as they prepare for the tournament, set to begin soon. Metcalfe stated he is tired of the negative commentary from the US media.
- •Metcalfe responds to negative comments from US pundits.
- •Lalas and Donovan criticized the Socceroos' potential.
- •The Socceroos are drawn in Group D for the World Cup.
- •The tournament is approaching with high expectations.
- 6:50 AMThe Guardian Sport — ‘Sick of it’: Socceroo Connor Metcalfe fires back at US barbs in World Cup buildup
"Australia midfielder takes aim at ‘rubbish’ from United States pundits Former US defender Alexi Lalas called Socceroos an ‘average team’ Socceroos midfielder Connor Metcalfe has heard every barb coming Australia’s way from the United States – and he’s had a gutful of it. Since Australia were drawn in Group D along with the co-hosts in December, the Socceroos have proved the punching bag for pundits based in the USA. Former striker Landon Donovan labelled Socceroos coach Tony Popovic as “smug” and tipped the Australians to finish fourth behind the US, Turkey and Paraguay and exit in the group stage. “Thanks for coming, Aussies and your smug coach – you can get back on the Qantas airplane and head back home, pal,” he quipped. Continue reading...
Sources
External linksOriginal reporting and copyright belong to the linked sources. SportsNewsReport.com aggregates and links — it does not republish full articles.
Related Stories
Last 14 days
Soccer•Oct 28, 2026, 1:43 AMWeek 7 Connecticut girls soccer coaches polls: St. Joseph, East Hampton on top as postseason begins
Soccer•Oct 28, 2026, 1:39 AMVote for the Varsity 845 boys soccer players of the week
Soccer•Oct 28, 2026, 1:38 AMMHSAA boys soccer: Greater Lansing regional schedule, results
Soccer•Oct 28, 2026, 1:38 AMTuesday Tourney Roundup: Marshwood, PCA boys ousted; Newmarket boys, Oyster River volleyball move on
Saudi Pro League•Oct 28, 2026, 1:30 AMMexican football makes history at the 2026 Ballon d’Or ceremony
Soccer•Oct 28, 2026, 1:29 AMChatham tops Madison in Morris County Tournament field hockey final