‘Sick of it’: Socceroo Connor Metcalfe fires back at US barbs in World Cup buildup

• Australia midfielder takes aim at rubbish' from United States pundits

• Former US defender Alexi Lalas called Socceroos an average team'

Socceroos midfielder Connor Metcalfe has heard every barb coming Australia's way from the United States - and he's had a gutful of it. Since Australia were drawn in Group D along with the co-hosts in December, the Socceroos have proved the punching bag for pundits based in the USA.

Former striker Landon Donovan labelled Socceroos coach Tony Popovic as smug" and tipped the Australians to finish fourth behind the US, Turkey and Paraguay and exit in the group stage. Thanks for coming, Aussies and your smug coach - you can get back on the Qantas airplane and head back home, pal," he quipped.