The comments from Cahlangolu are the continuation of a storyline that began the moment the World Cup draw was made and US pundits laughed off any suggestion the Socceroos would pose any sort of threat.
Popovic said his attention has always been on the Socceroos and what they are capable of and what they can control.
Aiden O’Neill speaks to the press.Getty Images
“We focused on ourselves, and our focus has really been on how we can prepare, how we can be the best we can be here at the World Cup,” he said.
“We understand that not many people are expecting much from us outside of our own people, our own media, our own team, our own staff, but you know we’re accustomed to that, but we’re confident that we can show them some great football tomorrow, and show them what Australian football can do.”
Cleary the Australians have decided to hold their tongues and do their talking on the BC Stadium pitch (which looks incredible, by the way). My colleague Vince Rugari has offered Aiden O’Neill the chance to fire back at Calhanoglu in the press conference, but he’s let that opportunity go through to the keeper.
“You know he’s allowed his own opinion,” O’Neill said. “We’ve got quality players in our team too, so yeah, we’re ready for tomorrow, and … we’re extremely excited.”