Socceroos coach Tony Popovic said victory over the US today would earn his side “respect,” in the wake of disparaging comments by US pundits about the Australia side that have triggered a long-brewing row.
Rage has simmered in Australia ever since a US analyst called the team a “layup” after the FIFA World Cup draw in December last year, which placed the Socceroos in the same Group D as the cohosts.
The term — a basketball expression for a very easy opportunity — first used by CBS pundit Mike Grella in reference to the Socceroos has been echoed by several US commentators since, and has become a rallying cry for Australia.
“We know that we want to earn our respect,” Popovic told a news conference in Seattle on Thursday.
“We know that by our performances we can put Australian football on the world map, and that’s what we aim to do,” he said.
“We started off well against Turkey, winning. Now we want to back it up. And we’ll continue striving to do that, to improve our football and improve our standing in how people perceive Australian football,” he said.
That opening victory means that Australia would book a place in the knockouts with victory today. The US have the same opportunity.
Pochettino and his players have been complimentary about their opponents.
“Australia is going to be a really tough opponent,” he said. “Good players, good organization, great coach.”
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