The Westfield Matildas are just days away from the 2018 AFC Women’s Asian Cup in Jordan and have been pitted in a tough group for the tournament.
Alen Stajcic’s side head into the tournament as Asia’s highest-ranked nation and will undoubtedly start as favourites to go all the way to the title.
With a 2019 FIFA World Cup spot also on the line (the top 5 as the Asian Cup qualify for the tournament in France), the stakes are high for the Aussie side.
Here’s what you need to know about our three group opponents.
JAPAN
World ranking: 11
Coach: Asako Takakura
Key player: Saki Kumagai
Best finish: Champions in 2014
How they qualified: qualified automatically as defending champions.
When we play them: Friday, April 13, kick-off 11.45pm @ Amman International Stadium.
KOREA REPUBLIC
World ranking: 16
Coach: Yoon Duk-yeo
Key player: Ji So-yun
Best finish: Third place in 2013
How they qualified: won their group on goal difference (three goals) ahead of DPR Korea.
When we play them: Sunday, April 8, kick-off 3am (AEST) @ King Abdullah II Stadium
VIETNAM
World ranking: 35
Coach: Mai Duc Chung
Key player: Huynh Nhu
Best finish: Group stage
How they qualified: won their group unbeaten ahead of Myanmar
When we play them: Wednesday, April 11, kick-off 3am (AEST) @ Amman International Stadium