U.S. World Cup Team Training Base (IRVINE, Calif.) One storyline has dominated the buildup to the U.S. men's national team's second World Cup match against Australia on Friday. Specifically, one word. When both nations were drawn into Group D last December, former MLS player and current CBS analyst Mike Grella labeled the looming matchup a "layup" for the United States. His comment went viral and sparked a stir in the Australian camp. So much so that Australian reporters have asked American players who appear mostly unaware of the remark about it this week. "No, its not a layup," said Tyler Adams, rolling his eyes. "If anything, its going to be one of the most difficult games that we play." Adams is right for several reasons. For one, the U.S. currently leads Group D on goal differential after a commanding 4-1 win over Paraguay, narrowly ahead of Australia following its 2-1 victory over Trkiye on Saturday. A win Friday in Seattle would strengthen its grip on the top spot. Secondly, the two sides met last October in a feisty friendly that set the tone for what will be another physical matchup. That game featured 26 fouls and two yellow cards, with star Christian Pulisic forced off in the first half after a heavy challenge. At halftime of that match, manager Mauricio Pochettino delivered an emotional message caught on a "Behind the Crest" video, urging his players to respond and "match their intensity" as he paced the locker room. After falling behind 1-0 early in the first half, the U.S. came back to win 2-1 behind a brace from Haji Wright. "The game was fun," a smiling Tim Weah told reporters on Tuesday. "That experience was fun. It was aggressive. I think from that game, weve changed a lot. I think weve gotten a bit more aggressive as well. Its going to be a wonderful clash, a wonderful game." Weah stopped short of calling that match a turning point for the team, but players do view it as an important moment in the squads development. Since taking over in September 2024, Pochettino has worked hard to infuse his South American influence in the group, emphasizing passion, grit and the willingness to battle for one another. "Were American, we dont take s***," Sebastian Berhalter said, offering insight into what Pochettino has told the team. "Even though hes 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. "Even from an outside perspective, he showed us Americans what were about, and he really drills that into us and is someone who has helped us this last cycle." Australia will present a stern test for the U.S. The Socceroos are a disciplined and relentless team that will sit deep, absorb pressure, and make it challenging for the Americans to break them down. "I love the way they defend, honestly," Berhalter said of watching Australias opening match vs. Trkiye. "They were a group, they were a unit, and they gave everything they had and it worked. Its gonna be a great game and theyre gonna fight. You like teams that have that brotherhood, you like teams who, when you go against them, you can see theyre hungry and want to fight because it makes you raise your level that much more." The U.S. wants a rowdy environment like it experienced at Los Angeles Stadium last week. Seattle is known for its electric soccer crowds, and that home support could prove crucial in this kind of hard-fought contest. The team is also hoping Pulisic, who contributed to the USAs first two goals vs. Paraguay, will be fit to play. The superstar forward has been dealing with a left calf issue that kept him off the field in the second half last Friday. As of Tuesday, his training has been "modified" and he was not participating with the full team. His status is "day-to-day," according to a U.S. Soccer spokesperson. The Americans are preparing accordingly and certainly not overlooking the Aussies in any way. Despite what some pundits say. "All the talk is just nonsense to me," Weah said. "Theyre a young team that has a lot of fight, a lot of grit, and a lot of hunger just like us. We respect them in the same way that we respect any other opponent. "Were focused on the bigger picture and what we have to do as a team to make sure that were prepared for the competition and the game. I think it's going to be an amazing game."