US team says 'We don't take s***' ahead of Australia clash

The U.S. men's national soccer team is embracing a gritty mentality as they prepare for a physically demanding World Cup match against Australia. Midfielder Sebastian Berhalter attributes this shift to coach Mauricio Pochettino, who has instilled a strong sense of identity and resilience in the squad.

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I think one is that we're American. We don't take s***.

"I think one is that we're American. We don't take s***," Berhalter stated, highlighting Pochettino's influence. "Even though he's Argentinian, he has that mindset of, like, 'Look, this is what we do, and this is who we are, and this is what America is about.'" This mentality was partly forged during a previous physical encounter with Australia, a scrappy 2-1 friendly victory last October. Pochettino reportedly lambasted the team at halftime, urging them to defend themselves against the Socceroos' aggressive play.

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Even though he's Argentinian, he has that mindset of, like, 'Look, this is what we do, and this is who we are, and this is what America is about.'

"Watching that game last year, you could see they were up for it," Berhalter recalled. "They were putting in challenges, and I think that's one of the reasons Mauricio had that half-time rant, and said, 'These guys can't kick us around.' I think he was right." The team responded with increased physicality, resulting in a game with 19 fouls and two yellow cards.

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Watching that game last year, you could see they were up for it.

Winger Tim Weah also noted the team's evolution since that match. "That game in Colorado was fun. That experience was fun. It was aggressive. I think from that game, we've changed a lot. We've gotten a bit more aggressive as well," he said. Despite potential concerns over Christian Pulisic's calf injury, the Americans are confident in their ability to match Australia's intensity, a testament to their improved temperament and tactics under Pochettino.

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These guys can't kick us around.