FOX's World Cup coverage has received mixed reviews from fans throughout the tournament so far. While choosing the overlook any of the host country's mishaps and controversies, its US soccer analysts have also proven to be overly supportive of the USMNT almost to a fault. While it is expected for a national broadcaster like FOX to hype up this US Men's National Team, there has only been one analyst who has given both praise and criticism where due: and that is Clint Dempsey.

The former Fulham and Seattle Sounders forward has been praised by fans online for comments made after the USMNT win against Iran. When a colleague spoke about a "brilliant US performance", Clint Dempsey didn't entirely disagree but reminded Alexi Lalas and viewers back home that not all was perfect.

How Clint Dempsey 'kept it real' on FOX

Speaking on Gregg Berhalter's late-game substitutions: Walker Zimmerman (81'), Shaq Moore (81') and Haji Wright (76'), Dempsey pointed out some relevant flaws regarding the last two: "Of the subs that came in, Zimmerman had that clearance (of the ball) that got behind Turner. But I saw Shaq Moore putting up his hand and saying 'my bad' than he had passes completed..."

Dempsey also came in with key knowledge of what he knows best: attacking. The USMNT legend was very critical of Haji Wright's performance: "He wasn't really pressing enough and getting on the ball. He had an opportunity late in the game, and he looked like he hit it with his heel. You're gonna have to be more dangerous if you're in the game."

Lastly, Clint Dempsey was baffled at why FC Dallas forward Jesus Ferreira hasn't made an appearance yet in Qatar 2022: "Ferreira has to be thinking, what do I have to do to be in this team?"

Alexi Lalas: criticized for lacking substance

While Alexi Lalas was one of soccer's best known faces in the nineties and one of the first US players to play in Europe, his accolades are far inferior to USMNT household names like Marcelo Balboa, Landon Donovan or even Clint Dempsey himself.

Fans on social media have been generally critical of the former defender, whose segments on soccer have generally been populistic and a play on sentiments and patriotism. As could be seen, especially, in the pre-game segments before the second group stage game against England.