Australia vs USA a 'layup'? Ex-USMNT player doubles down ahead of World Cup game today

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Mike Grella probably won't be vacationing in Australia anytime soon.

When the World Cup groups were announced, CBS Sports' analyst and former U.S men's national team player called Australia's inclusion in the U.S.' group a "layup."

That drew strong rebukes from the island continent, as former Australia players like Mark Schwarzer and Harry Kewell fired back.

“The USA is talking like they’re some unbelievable footballing – or soccer – nation,” Kewell 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."

Grella appeared on ESPN's "Pat McAfee Show" ahead of Friday's Group D match between the U.S. and Australia and was introduced with, "No announcer has ever needed a team to win more than this guy."

Grella didn't shy away from his take. He actually leaned into it and pointed out the betting odds favored his analysis with the Aussies a heavy underdog.

"Australia isn't known for football," Grella said. "It's like the Egyptians getting mad at me for saying they're not great skiers." 

"One word has driven the entire country of Australia crazy," Grella added, "And this is a layup for the U.S. men's national team. The level of players, the level of coaching and they're on home soil. This is a layup. But you don't make every layup."

While Grella isn't backing down, don't expect the U.S. team to take the Socceroos lightly. They beat Turkey 2-0 in their opening match and have a chance to win the group.

“All the (Grella) talk is just nonsense to me,” USA's Tim Weah said. “When you look at the Australian team, they're a young team that has a lot of fight, a lot of grit, and a lot of hunger, just like us.”

On Monday, June 15, USMNT midfielder Tyler Adams was asked about Grella's comments and hit back at the idea that the Socceroos would be an easy opponent.

“I don’t think any commentary helps anybody. It’s not going to be a layup. If anything, it’s going to be one of the most difficult games we play," Adams said.