US soccer pundit Mike Grella and Socceroos legend Mark Schwarzer have exchanged verbals over the American’s criticism of Australia’s chances at the World Cup.
Ex-Leeds and New York Red Bulls winger Grella, 39, recently claimed USA should be happy to be drawn with Australia in Group D — who they will face in the second of three games on June 20 (AEST).
The two nations will also face Paraguay and Turkey in the opening phase of the tournament — which gets underway on June 11.
Speaking about the Aussies on CBS Sports Golazo, Grella said: “Take nothing away from the Socceroos, they’ve always been competitive. But they stumbled a little during qualifying and weren’t that impressive.
“This is an amazing first team to have for the US.”
Grella then doubled down on those comments on Sunday morning (AEST) while sat alongside iconic Socceroos keeper Schwarzer, adding: “You guys probably thought we were the easiest pot in the group, and we thought you were the easiest. We’re probably both the weakest teams.”
To which Schwarzer, who was the pundit on the panel offering an Australian view, responded: “Host nations are always difficult to play against at any World Cup, so we always knew the USA was going to be a tough, tough opponent.
“What we like to do is let our performances do the talking.
“We all know it’s a tough, tough group.”
Despite Schwarzer’s measured retort, Grella still aimed one final dig at the Socceroos.
He said: “If we cant beat them, we shouldn’t go to the World Cup. If USA can’t beat Australia in a football match, stay home.”
The Socceroos’ first World Cup game comes against Turkey on June 14, before the USA clash six days later and Paraguay on June 26.
USA are 16th in the Fifa rankings, with Australia 27th.
