Heyman: “We wanted to bring that never say die attitude.”
CommBank Matildas forward Michelle Heyman took plenty of positives out of Australia’s 2-1 defeat to world no.1 USA, explaining that they left everything out on the park.
The 36-year-old scored Australia’s goal in the 80th minute to set up a grandstand finish in Glendale, Arizona.
“It was definitely a big improvement [on game one],” she said.
“We wanted to come out firing, and it wasn’t the start we wanted when the USA scored in the first 50 seconds. But I hope everyone could see all the hard work that we put in.
“We’re really trying to figure out our team and adapt as one. So I’m really proud of all the girls. We didn’t get the result, but it was a big improvement, which I think is quite positive.”
Heyman said the team came out with a point to prove after their heavy defeat to Japan.
“We wanted to bring that 'never-say-die' attitude,” she said.
“We just want to show Aussies that we can do it. It was a very disappointing 4-0 loss against Japan and we did not want to do that again.
“The United States are the best in the world. We gave it our all but just couldn’t come away with it [the result].”
Heyman’s goal was her 29th in national team colours. Since re-joining the team at the start of 2024, the Canberra United striker has developed a knack for being in the right places to score goals for the CommBank Matildas.
In typical humble style, Heyman said that she was just doing her job.
“The main thing for me is to just get in the box, and hopefully the ball can hit me in the head!” she joked.
“I'm very grateful to Hayley [Raso] for her delivery. I didn’t really have to do much.
“I’m also just grateful to be a part of this team and want to work as hard as I can.”
CommBank Matildas v Colombia
Date: Wednesday, 26 February 2025 (local) / Thursday, 27 February (AEDT)
Kick-off: 4.37pm PST (local) / 11.37am (AEDT)
Venue: Snapdragon Stadium, San Diego (CA)
Broadcast: Paramount+
Tickets: ussoccer.com/shebelieves/cup