AFCWOQ: 6 key players

It is only days until the Olympic Qualifiers kick-off for the 2016 Olympics in Rio De Janiero. Of the six teams competing, three are in the top 10 and 5 in the top 20. The contests will be tight and one play could have a big say in the fortunes of their nation.

Here is a quick look at six key players for each nation.

Japan: Aya Miyama (midfield)

She led her team to their second straight World Cup final and was one of the best players in Canada. While she is considered one of one of Asia's greatest ever players, she is not a media magnet like Abby Wambach or internationally recognised as Alex Morgan.  Regardless, the technically gifted and a team orientated Miyama is still at the heart of Nadeshiko even at 31 years old. Opposition should be aware of her dangerous runs down the left side flank and plays into midfield while goalkeepers need to be alert for the dipping free kicks.

Under the radar: Not many players can slip by unnoticed in this Japan team but right back Aya Sameshima is one of those.  Steady in defence and supporting in attack, Sameshima provides the balance in the Nadeshiko backline with little fanfare or flash.

DPR Korea: Ho Un-Byol (forward)

It was hard to decide between the number 11 and her scoring partner Ra Um-Sim but there is something about her footwork and eye for goal that makes her a key player. When Ho gets the ball, and she has the opportunity to shoot, she will go for it. Her powerful shoots from outside the box are just as precise as from inside the 18-yard box. Ho links up well with Ra and it can lead to a combination other nations might not be prepared for.

Australia: Elise Kellond-Knight (midfield)

Elise Kellond-Knight is one of those footballers you do not see on the field but it is the little things that make her a great team player. The Turbine Postdam defensive midfielder has 57 appearances for the green and gold, she is aware of players around her, and creates options on and off the ball. Her versatility in positions means she cannot only play in defence but initiate attacks. One minute she will be breaking down attacks then next she will be using her great passing range up the field.

Under the radar: While most of the Australian midfield is well known and lauded, Tameka Butt often flies by with little notice. Playing further up the point of a Matildas attack, Butt's creativity, on the ball skills and well timed runs make her a dangerous player to lose sight of.

China: Wang Shanshan

She was one of the keys to China's quarter final run at the 2015 World Cup and it won’t be any different for these qualifiers. Shanshan is a defender by trade but head coach Bruno Bini has looked to continue to use her versatility and play her as a centre forward. Her clinical finishes in front of goal are dangerous but what is even more potent is her ability to break up a defence with her pinpoint runs.

Under the radar: With China's reliance on their wide players to support, the importance of Ren Guixin as a holding midfielder often can be underestimated. Ren performs the duties - reading the patterns of play, anticipating passes, distribute with precision - with an ease that is deceptive.

Korea Republic: Ji So-Yun

Midfielder Ji So-Yun has been dubbed the “Korean Messi” for her creativity, eye for goal and touch of the ball. She has been apart of Chelsea Ladies since 2014 and has impressed football fans around the world. On the international stage, she has a deathly partnership with teammate Cho So-Hyun, which could prove to be the secret weapon for the team. Ji does her best work within the spaces and between the lines and has the quality of the best players; never looking rushed for time. Not to mention she is the all time leading goal scorer with 38 goals in 74 appearances.

Underrated hero: For over a decade and almost 100 caps, Kim Jung-mi has been the custodian for the Taeguk Ladies. Kim is the defensive leader and is never afraid to put her body on the line.

Vietnam: Nguyen Thi Minh Nguyet (forward)

Little is known about the Vietnamese team and less is known about the players. However, during the second round of qualifiers, forward Nguyen Thi Minh Nguyet was the stand out player scoring six goals in four games. At the age of 29 she is one of the veterans on the team and will do whatever it takes to score a goal. Her performance in the past has proven that Vietnam needs her in order to win.

Under the radar: Veteran goalkeeper Dang Thi Kieu Trinh kept Vietnam in many matches during qualifying. With the attacking power on show during the tournament, the Golden Girls will need every bit of her experience, defensive leadership and glovework.