Brisbane Roar forward Indiah-Paige Riley has her sights set on representing New Zealand in the upcoming World Cup, but first-up on her radar is a make-or-break A-League Women clash against Melbourne Victory.
The Roar are in fifth position on the ALW ladder with 15 points, six points behind fourth-placed Victory who have played one extra game.
The Roar must win at Perry Park on Saturday to keep alive their top-four hopes.
Riley, 21, has a strong combination with the Roar's key attacking players Larissa Crummer, Shea Connors and Katrina Gorry.
All three have hit the woodwork in the last month with Gorry peppering the crossbar on multiple occasions in both of the team's most recent home draws.
"I think the crossbar is the best defender for the teams that we are versing. We always seem to hit it," Riley told AAP.
"We are coming off a good away (1-0) win against Adelaide and have strong momentum going into the game.
"Victory have to travel and we know that a top-four spot is on the line.
"Hopefully we can take our opportunities and put them away ... and not hit the crossbar."
Riley moved to Australia from New Zealand when she was 12 and moved steadily through the ranks to debut for the Matildas against Germany in 2021.
Her heartfelt desire was to represent her homeland and after discussions with Football Ferns coach Jitka Klimkova, and a green light from FIFA, she was able to make the switch and debut for New Zealand against Mexico last year.
The Football Ferns play Norway on July 20 in their World Cup opener at Eden Park in Riley's home city of Auckland.
Riley' family, including parents Nicola and Mark, are all from New Zealand.
"I was born there as well so it is always an honour for me to represent my family as well," she said.
"We have another national team window coming up in New Zealand against Portugal and Argentina and I am ready to give it my best shot.
"It is an amazing opportunity to have a World Cup at home and I think we can achieve great things. Hopefully we can make history and win our first game."
The Football Ferns recently played two internationals against the USA. Riley played in the first of those, a 4-0 loss, and said it was a reality check.
"It was a good test against the world No.1 and I think we can learn and grow," she said.
