Socceroos assistant says coaches will not dictate players' social media use

The Socceroos face the USA in Seattle on Friday. Both teams have been energised by local media and football analysts after winning their opening Group D matches against Turkey and Paraguay respectively.

A number of American commentators have dismissed Australia as a threat to the tournament hosts, notably former centre back Alexi Lalas who rated them an "average team by any measure" in his pre-tournament rankings of the 48 participating nations.

Foxe stated there was no necessity to protect Australia's players from external commentary.

"We cannot coddle them. They are individuals, we want them to be themselves," the former Socceroos centre back told journalists on Monday.

"Social media exists, they are aware of the media and the comments and what is being said.

"But we are focused on ourselves. They are old and mature enough to understand what is said and what is not said."

Australia, who have never advanced beyond the round of 16, had a dream start by upsetting Turkey 2-0 with stylish goals from dynamic attacker Nestory Irankunda and Connor Metcalfe.

Irankunda said Australia's players were motivated by Turkey's captain Hakan Calhanoglu describing his team as more talented than the Socceroos.

"It did annoy a few of the lads, but at the end of the day, these guys can talk all the rubbish ... we do not really care," he told reporters.

Metcalfe said Australia, coached by Tony Popovic, would enter the USA match "full of energy, full of confidence".

Foxe cautioned his players not to become too overexcited, however, recalling how everyone was thrilled at Qatar 2022 when Saudi Arabia stunned eventual champions Argentina only to be eliminated in the group stage.

"Fantastic win against Turkey. Memorable, wonderful. Enjoy that moment," he said.

"Now that is behind us. Now we move on to the USA."