'If we can’t beat them, stay home’: US pundit doubles down with stinging Socceroos sledge

A former US footballer has doubled down on his criticism of the Socceroos and declared that American players should "stay home" if they do not defeat the nation with ease at the FIFA World Cup next month.

Australia will face the tournament co-hosts in their second game in the group stage, a draw that has been described as a positive but challenging draw to start with.

The US were pleased with the draw when it was announced in March, with Paraguay and Turkey named the other two nations in Group D.

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But in the eyes of former player Mike Grella, Australia is a "lay-up" for the host nation to go deep in the tournament.

"Take nothing away from the Socceroos, they've always been competitive," Grella said on CBS shortly after the draw was announced in March.

"But they stumbled a little during qualifying and weren't that impressive. This is an amazing first team to have for the US."

Those words did not sit well with Australian fans or coach Tony Popovic, who recognised that the green and gold jerseys have "always been underestimated" at the World Cup.

But even after being flamed for his words, Grella has not changed his opinion.

"I was halfway out to lunch (when I said that)," Grella began, speaking with Socceroos great Mark Schwarzer on CBS.

"But I am not going to back down (now). You guys probably thought we were the easiest pot in the group, and we thought you were the easiest.

"I think it makes sense why (my words) gained attraction because we're probably both the weakest teams."

Schwarzer calmly corrected Grella's view of what Australia truly felt about the draw.

"Host nations are always difficult to play against at any World Cup," he replied.

"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. I am quietly confident that we have a really, really good mix of experience and exciting young talent coming through. This is a massive opportunity for them to show what they can deliver.

"We all know it's a tough, tough group, but it is a World Cup and we have shown back in 2022 that we can defy all odds and get through the group."

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Schwarzer was then asked if he was suggesting Americans are all talk while Australia were more focused on their own actions.

"I'll leave that to interpretation," he said.

"You're probably not far off what I'm meaning ... but I'm not going to say that."

Grella, unable to hold back his thoughts, then threw one last jab at the Socceroos.

"I love Australia, I had a lot of Australian teammates - but I'll tell you, if we can't beat them, we shouldn't go to the World Cup," Grella said.

"If the USA can't beat Australia in a football match, stay home."

Schwarzer added, giggling: "I love the thought process that if you can't beat Australia, you shouldn't be there. I mean, we've qualified for six straight World Cups.

"We are there because we deserve to be there."

The Australian goalkeeping legend then fired his own barb: "Did you guys qualify in 2018?

"Oh wait, no you didn't," he laughed.