Aussie football legend Harry Kewell has slammed American pundit Mike Grella for his biased commentary against the Socceroos ahead of the FIFA World Cup and trashed the USA men’s team.
Kewell took aim at Grella after the former Leeds United player declared the Socceroos would be a ‘lay-up’ for the USA and that the Aussie team would not make any impact at the tournament.
The 47-year-old blasted the negative rhetoric being pushed by US commentators and claimed it has little substance.
‘The USA is talking like they’re some unbelievable footballing nation – or soccer – nation,’ he told Code Sports.
‘I would love to play their golden generation against our golden generation. It wouldn’t even be a contest. I don’t know what they’re harping on about, I really don’t.
‘I don’t even know if they played soccer back then. They’re a new nation to it.’
Former Socceroo Harry Kewell (pictured) has taken aim at American pundit Mike Grella and the USA’s standing as a football nation
Kewell (pictured coaching Japanese team Yokohama F.Marinos) has slammed Grella for his baseless comments about Australia’s team
The Socceroos champion also brushed off the comments and advised the Aussies on how he would handle them.
‘Water off a duck’s back,’ he said.
‘I wouldn’t even take that into my brain.
‘As footballers, we respect everyone; we know football’s a small world. It’s funny: you can talk about things in life, and they can quickly come back to haunt you.
‘Just go out there, be quiet, do your job, and let the football do the talking.’
Kewell’s comments came shortly after Grella engaged in a social media back-and-forth with AFL star-turned-content creator Dan Gorringe.
The former Gold Coast Suns player reposted a reel of Grella labelling Australia the ‘weakest’ team.
He also wrote ‘we’re gonna f*** you up’ on Instagram alongside the video, with the pundit then responding: ‘Yo this sh*** hilarious, see you Friday.’
Kewell (pictured) scored 17 goals for Australia in his 58 international appearances
Mike Grella (pictured) has also engaged in a social media spat with AFL star turned content creator Dan Gorringe
Join the discussion
Are American pundits disrespecting Aussie football, or is it just healthy rivalry before the match?
Australia will next face the USA at Seattle Stadium in both sides’ second match of the tournament.
The Socceroos will look to build on their performance against Turkey, where they secured a surprise 2-0 victory.
Co-hosts the USA also started their campaign strongly, recording a dominant 4-1 win over Paraguay in their opening match.
The teams have met four times previously, with the USA holding a narrow 2-1 head-to-head advantage.
