Socceroos Ready to Prove Critics Wrong in World Cup Preparation

Connor Metcalfe has had enough.

As the Socceroos settle into San Diego ahead of the World Cup, the Australian midfielder is done listening to American pundits dismiss his team as cannon fodder for the hosts.

“I've seen all the US stuff and I'm just sick of it, to be honest,” Metcalfe said, bristling at a narrative that has gathered pace across the United States. “Let's just wait for the game. Whatever happens, happens. It's just so much rubbish, honestly. I'm just sick of it.”

The latest jab came from former USA defender Alexi Lalas, who branded Australia “an average team by any measure,” a line that has bounced around social media and studio panels in the build‑up to the tournament.

He is not alone. Ex-striker Landon Donovan has taken aim as well, labelling Australia coach Tony Popovic “smug” and confidently tipping the Socceroos to finish bottom of their group.

Inside the Australian camp, those comments have landed — and lingered — but they are also starting to fuel something sharper than irritation.

Dress rehearsal in San Diego

Before they get their shot at the USA, Australia will use a friendly against Switzerland in San Diego as a live rehearsal for what awaits later in the tournament.

The kick-off time is no accident. The Swiss clash is set for midday, mirroring the 12pm start against the Americans.

“It's actually a good dress rehearsal for us, with travelling, with food, with training, with our meetings,” Popovic explained, treating the fixture as much as a logistical drill as a tactical one.

The Socceroos are still licking their wounds from a 1–0 defeat to Mexico last week, but the focus now is on sharpening combinations, managing workloads and, crucially, spreading minutes across the squad.

One of those waiting to step onto the pitch in green and gold for the first time is Cristian Volpato.

Volpato’s first steps in green and gold

Popovic confirmed the Sassuolo winger will finally see action against Switzerland, days after his dramatic late switch of allegiance from Italy to Australia before the World Cup squad was named.

Volpato did not play against Mexico and has been on a tailored program to build his conditioning.

“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.”

His selection has not come without noise. Some supporters questioned his inclusion, pointing to an old social media post he made when Australia lost to Japan — a moment that raised doubts about his commitment in certain corners of the fanbase.

Inside the dressing room, though, the temperature is far cooler.

“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 Switzerland match is a chance to move the conversation from old posts to present performances.

Switzerland’s late boost

On the opposite side, Switzerland’s build-up has had its own turbulence.

Key striker Breel Embolo was initially blocked from travelling with the squad because of a visa issue. US officials informed him, just hours before the team’s departure, that he could not board the flight after his ESTA — the automated travel authorisation used for tourism — was rejected due to a criminal conviction.

It left Switzerland preparing without one of their most experienced forwards, a player with 23 goals in 85 internationals, and raised the prospect of a significant hole in their attack for this crucial tune-up.

The stalemate did not last. Embolo met with US officials during the week and was eventually cleared to travel, handing Switzerland a late but important boost.

So the stage is set: an Australian side bristling at being branded “average,” a coach using every minute to calibrate his squad, a new recruit eager to prove his worth, and a Swiss team finally reunited with its main striker.

The talk in the US has been loud. Soon enough, the football will answer it.