'That's noted': Socceroos to 'use' USA arrogance at World Cup

Some coaches have to go on a deep dive for opposition slights.

Many managers get creative in search of motivation while trawling through newspaper headlines or a website war of words.

Socceroos boss Tony Popovic doesn't need to look far.

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Former USA player Mike Grella called Australia a "layup" after the Socceroos were the first team drawn to play the World Cup co-hosts in Group D.

"Take nothing away from the Socceroos, they've always been competitive," Grella said on CBS.

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

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The USA beat the Socceroos 2-1 in a spicy Denver clash in October.

Popovic will use perceived American arrogance as fuel for his team before the clash at Seattle's Lumen Field on June 20 (AEST).

Stan Sport's Added Time host Adam Peacock pleaded with Popovic to beat the USA and silence their punishing, one-eyed 'soccer' fans.

"Yeah, that's noted," Popovic replied with a wry smile.

"But I mean the boys here (Craig Foster and Mark Bosnich) will attest to that, that's always been the case for the Socceroos. We've always been that. We've always been underestimated.

"Being underestimated is not new to any of us sitting here, that will continue and obviously, it's the same at this World Cup. Everyone expects us to be the team that no-one really concerns them about and we can (use that).

"I thought we showed that we can compete with USA, I thought we did a good job in that game up until the last period."

USA coach Mauricio Pochettino is one of the highest paid managers in world football with a reported annual salary of $9 million.

Sportsbet have installed Australia as $6 underdogs for the match, with the USA $1.53 favourites.

The Socceroos also play Paraguay and a yet to be determined European qualifier in the group.

"I feel that we're more than competitive and I think we'll definitely show that in all three games, against all three sides, that we can well and truly compete," Popovic said.

"We're dreaming of going a lot further than that... we're not putting a ceiling on what we can achieve - I'm not allowing anyone to say, 'OK, let's just go there and participate.'

"We have to dream, and I'd love to see the day that we're talking about Australia competing in the quarters, semi-finals.

"And starting to actually become a favourite in a game where you're not underestimated, where you're looking at Australia and saying, 'OK, to beat Australia we must do ABC, it's going to be very difficult.'

"We want to dream but obviously you've got to follow that up with action, just saying it's not enough."

Popovic, who won 58 caps for Australia, replaced Graham Arnold as national coach in 2024.

He had some interesting observations on the team he inherited.

"I felt when I came in there's, maybe, senior players maybe had just forgotten what it's really like to play for your country," the 52-year-old said.

"Maybe they'd forgotten what their debut was like and then they've come to 50, 60, 70, 80 caps, you know, it's just another game for Australia.

"And I wanted them to remember, you know, you remember your debut, and I want you to remember games 70 and 80 the same way. And don't forget it's the greatest honour to play for your country and it's the highest level possible... we need to set the bar high.

"We certainly don't want that entitlement for anyone, with the Socceroos, and there certainly won't be while I'm there."