Hill: Time for Australia to "shut the loudest mouths"

Australia's FIFA World Cup 2026™ opener was a grand success, taking down an overconfident Turkiye by two goals to nil.

And while the win was oh so sweet off the back of some clear disrespect from the Turkish players themselves, Simon Hill has issued a reminder that the biggest test is yet to come.

The Socceroos next face co-hosts USA in Seattle, and the American media has certainly had a bit to say about the Aussie's chances within this year's World Cup.

From 'layup' comments to Landon Donovan's sledging, Mike Grella's dismissal of talent and the continued disrespect across the board, the US media has displayed very little care for Australia's threat in Group D.

Now, having knocked off Turkiye, their eyes are opening to the Socceroos' spirit, and Simon Hill believes a follow-up victory against the hosts would be even sweeter.

“If Australia were to lose to America and Paraguay we’ll probably forget about this victory over Turkiye quite quickly,” Hill said on SEN’s Whateley.

“But at the moment it feels seismic because we were so unfancied.

“There was so much trash talk about Australia in the buildup to the World Cup from America in particular, and Turkiye even joined in a little bit as well before the opening game.

“It was nice to shut a few mouths. It would be even nicer to shut the loudest of mouths in the United States.”

Hill said it was right up there in terms of Australian World Cup wins.

“In terms of all time, I’m probably biased because I was there and called the game but the match against Japan with it being the Socceroos’ first World Cup in 32 years,” said Hill.

“That to me is still probably top of the tree.

“But this is a very close second, and how knows how far Australia will go in this tournament.

“It’s a big if, but if they were to do that then this will take on a completely different hue I think.”

Despite all the talk from the US media, Adam Peacock issued a reminder that the talk is not coming from the players and coaches themselves, as it was within the Turkish camp.

After a brilliant performance against Paraguay to open their campaign, Peacock has ensured that respect between the playing groups remain in tact despite the media "dribble".

“They belted Paraguay, it was one of the best performances, if not the best performance, so far at the World Cup,” Peacock said on SEN Afternoons.

“Look, it’s all come from the media. It’s coming from people who just want to make a bit of noise.

“That Mike Grella is working for a non-rights holding broadcaster in CBS, so how are they going to get people to watch what they’re doing? They’re going to make some statements and I dare say Grella is very well-known in Australia to a lot of people as opposed to before making these statements.

“It’s not going to come from the team. I’d be staggered if Mauricio Pochettino comes out and derides Australia in any way, shape or form.

“It’s going to be nicey, nicey between the two teams, a lot of respect between the two.

“It’s just a bit of bluster and dribble on American television. There’s a lot of that isn’t there?”

The game between Australia and the co-hosts kicks off this Saturday morning at 5am AEST.

A point, and the Socceroos are all but through to the Round of 32.