Heyman gunning for first crack in Canada

Michelle Heyman has done all she can to be the Matildas first-choice striker at the Women’s World Cup after dismantling Vietnam in their farewell match on Thursday night.

Heyman bagged a first-half hat-trick – in the space of just 18 minutes – as the Matildas ran out comfortable 11-0 winners.

Alen Stajcic’s side is blessed with some exceptional attacking talent with the likes of Kyah Simon, Sam Kerr, Lisa De Vanna, Ashleigh Sykes, Caitlin Foord and Leena Khamis all capable of starting in the front-three.

WRAP: Impressive Matildas thrash Vietnam

But Heyman wants first shot at the USA in the opening game and proved she is in good touch with her display against Vietnam.

Emily van Egmond celebrates with Michelle Heyman.

“It’s always nice to finish the chances we create. A few of mine were just tap-ins but that’s one thing I’ve been working on is trying to follow up, that’s what a number nine does,” Heyman said.

“I need to make sure I’m always in the box and in the right place at the right time.

“I’m happy with my execution [against Vietnam]. The girl’s focus was to go out and work on our finishing which has been lacking a little bit.

“So it was nice for most of us to have that feeling of putting the ball in the back of the net. It’s a good feeling going into the World Cup.”

Stajcic said of Heyman’s performance: “She got a couple of scraps which is something she’s tried really hard to work on.

Matildas players celebrate a goal during their 11-0 win over Vietnam.

“Every goal counts the same so for Michelle to get a hat-trick shows her level of concentration and focus for the game.”

More than 4000 fans turned up in driving rain to farewell the side and Heyman said the side appreciate the support and hope to do them proud in Canada.

“We heard there was going to be a big storm coming but I remember looking up and seeing the top of stadium all packed and it was amazing,” she said.

“This is what we need for women’s football and it’s good to see that it’s growing.

“We all just want to get there now, it’s something we’ve been dreaming about since we were kids.”