To say the United States of America Men's National is flying high would be an understatement.

Last Friday, the USMNT came out and put on arguably their best performance ever at a World Cup, crushing Paraguay 4-1 in a game where they could have realistically scored seven or eight goals.

With three points already banked and two games remaining, optimism is high going into the next match up with Australia, a team that, on paper, they're expected to be better than.

If they can crush Paraguay, who was seen as a better team than Australia coming in, why can't they do the same to the Socceroos?

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While on paper, it's true, the USMNT have a serious advantage when it comes to overall talent, especially in the midfield and on attack, that is probably what Turkey believed too before facing Australia in their first game.

Young Turkish superstar Arda Güler even told his teammates in the tunnel alongside the Australians that their team was better and should handle them on the field.

Turkey lost 0-2 to the Australians.

And that's where the Americans need to learn and adapt. Australia, unlike Paraguay, most likely will not play as free and open, allowing the USMNT to dissect them defensively. Instead, Australia hunkers down with five defensive players, puts everyone in the box, and relies on quick outlets to their speedy forwards to grab their goals.

Tim Ream, the 38-year-old captain of the USMNT, played well against Paraguay, but can get beat by speed if left alone with the fullbacks playing forward up the field.

If the United States can respect Australia and not let them get those prime chances through counter-punches, they should win and all but secure their top spot in Group D.

But if they come in a little over confident from the Paraguay game and let themselves get caught flatfooted, all it takes is one long ball from the Aussies and what was supposed to be a comfortable game turns into a desperate flurry like Turkey devolved into at the end of their game with Australia.

That will be the key which decides what type of game we see on Friday.