“Like me, she's an 'Impact Archie'. She comes off the bench and does really well for the Matildas," the Victory striker told au.fourfourtwo.com today. "What a great player she is!

“And like me, she's probably in the same boat because she might want to start games rather than being on the bench.”

Excitement is building ahead of the Matildas' final group match tomorrow night against Canada as the emotion of a World Cup begins to grip the Australian sports public.

And Thompson says he'll be glued to his TV set to cheer our girls on in a game they only need to draw from to progress to the quarter finals.

“Lisa's a great striker. It's been a great World Cup, I'm so happy for them," he said. "They don't get the recognition or accolades they deserve. I'll definitely be watching.”

De Vanna, 22, is earning a reputation worldwide as one of the hottest players in women's world football. The WA speed demon has scored three goals in two games at the World Cup, including a late stunner against Norway on Saturday night.

De Vanna remains one of our potent weapons ahead of this clash. Other key players include run-all-day Heather Garriock down the left and the commanding skipper Cheryl Salisbury at the heart of the defence. Salisbury is expected to pick up dangerwoman Christine Sinclair, a strong player in the air.

Matildas' coach Tom Sermanni has told journalists that Canada will likely be a bruising test for the Aussie girls.

"They play a traditional British style," he said. "It will be a real physical test for us.

"They are very direct, very robust and we need to be prepared for what they'll throw at us. We may not be as fluent until such time that hopefully they are affected by the humidity.”

The Canadians have said they are wary of what the Aussie girls have to offer, but believe they can come through with a result.

"We feel confident," midfielder Randee Hermus said after training yesterday. "We know we have to win. That is something about our team. We know when the pressure is on, we perform. I think it's good for us."

Canada's Norwegian-born coach Even Pellerud said however he recognises the scorching pace of both De Vanna and strike partner Sarah Walsh.

"We know they have speed but we have speed also," he said. "We think we can match that."

Captain Christine Sinclair added: "They are very fast up front, especially towards the end of the game.

"We have to prevent their services to them because they pass the ball very well in behind the back line. Those two things will be our priority."