Michelle Heyman has dispelled any doubts about potential ring rust with a spectacular return to the Matildas, scoring a quickfire hat-trick against Uzbekistan. The Australians, holding a 3-0 lead from their first leg against their Asian rivals, smashed five goals in just over 20 minutes to all-but confirm their place at the Paris Olympics, barring the most unlikely turnaround.
It marked a sensational return to the international fold for Heyman, who had earned a shock recall to Tony Gustavsson’s squad after retiring from the Matildas in May 2019. And Heyman played a major role in her side’s stunning start to the game. The 35-year-old netted in the fourth, eighth and sixteenth minutes to stun the Uzbeks, after they conceded an own goal in the opening minute of the contest.
Kaitlyn Torpey added a fifth on the 22nd minute before Manchester City star Mary Fowler and Arsenal striker Caitlin Foord got in on the act before half time. ‘Back playing for my country, to come on and score a goal, it’s a dream come true,’ Heyman said after the first leg victory. ‘It’s what I wanted and I’m so happy to get it done it’s a really nice feeling.’
Heyman scored on her return to the team in the 3-0 first leg win last week, heading home from a Steph Catley corner on the 72nd minute, and picked up where she left off at Marvel Stadium on Wednesday night.
