In-form Raso says ‘maturity’ can help down Danes in WWC

Anna Harrington | August 4, 2023

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.”