Things could not be going much better for Hayley Raso.
The winger has just scored her first two Women’s World Cup goals, the Matildas are into the round of 16 – and she’s off to Real Madrid when the tournament ends.
But Raso, who is fiery and physical on the field but a cool head off it, is taking it all in her stride.
“To score my first World Cup goal was really special for me, a moment I’ve dreamt of, so that was amazing,” Raso told reporters on Friday.
“But all my focus is here and getting the job done here, (although) I have a lot to look forward to when this is over.”
Raso joked that time would come “after August 20, of course” – the date of the World Cup final.
If the lightning-fast winger can maintain her current form at her third World Cup, there’s plenty of reason to believe.
The 28-year-old’s first-half double against Canada set Australia on the path to a thumping 4-0 win over the Olympic champions that steered them into Monday’s last-16 clash with Denmark at Stadium Australia.
It’s the latest step in a journey that began at Canberra United and has included stints at Portland, Everton and Manchester City, as well as overcoming a horror back injury in 2018 that threatened her playing future.
“I’ve been around for a long time, I’ve been in the national team for a long time,” the 28-year-old said.
“What comes with that is experience, maturity.
“I’ve been overseas, I’ve been developing my game. I’ve grown a lot as a player.
“I’m taking everything in my stride. I’ve got a lot of confidence.”
Raso doesn’t hold back physically, with or without the ball, but says she has tempered her approach since her Matildas debut in 2012.
“When I first got into football and was in the Matildas I was, I guess, quite reckless,” she said.
“I’ve matured a lot in my game, in the fact that I try not to be too reckless.
“Yes, I throw myself around into tackles but it’s just the way I play.
“It’s about giving 100 per cent and being strong. I’m small but I’m quite strong on the ball, so hopefully I can hold my own out there.”
Long-time teammate Alanna Kennedy shared a dressing room with Raso at WSL club Manchester City.
She isn’t surprised by how the winger has stepped up.
“The motivation of a home World Cup for anyone is that there’s just such a huge opportunity. No one wants to shy away from that, Hayley included,” Kennedy said.
“Her impact on the game (against Canada) was huge and I’m really happy for her.”
