The knives are out! Tim Weah, US winger with a point to prove, has slammed recent barbs from former American players about their next opponents, Australia. The Socceroos are in for a grilling as Weah dismissed the 'nonsense' comments, labelling them nothing more than a load of hot air ahead of Friday's crunch match.
The verbal jabs started flying after the World Cup draw put the US and Australia in the same group. Former US striker Landon Donovan sparked the controversy with some choice words for the Australian coach, Tony Popovic, suggesting he should 'get back on the Qantas airplane' – a remark that set tongues wagging Down Under.
US pundits didn't stop there, with Fox Sports commentator Alexi Lalas labelling Australia 'an average team by any measure', and CBS Sports pundit Mike Grella infamously calling Friday's match a 'layup' for the US. The Aussie players haven't taken it lying down, with midfielder Connor Metcalfe firing back that he's 'sick of all this talk – let's just wait for the game'.
Weah, however, brought some much-needed calm to the situation, praising Australia's youthful energy and fight. He likened them to his own team, saying they respect their opponents in the same way they'd any other foe. US midfielder Tyler Adams echoed these sentiments, warning that Friday's match won't be a walkover – it'll be one of their toughest games.
Last year's 'friendly' clash between the two teams in Colorado offered a glimpse into the intensity that lies ahead. The US came out on top 2-1 but not without some bumps and bruises along the way. Weah, who was part of that matchday squad, described it as an 'aggressive encounter', adding that his team has since become 'a bit more aggressive' themselves.