A hattrick from Alex Chidiac has helped Australia claim a 5-2 victory against Vietnam in their final Group B match at the AFC U19 Women’s Championships at theJiangsu Training Base Stadium in Nanjing, China.

Three first half goals from Remy Siemsen, Rachel Lowe and Chidiac set up the victory as Australia comfortably held off Vietnam to progress to the final four of the competition for the first time since 2006.

Needing a win, it was a confident start for the Young Matildas with the in form Siemsen opening the goalscoring for the third time this tournament for Australia.

After receiving the ball from Adelaide United teammate Chidiac, Emily Condon provided the assist teeing up Siemsen who finished calmly in the seventh minute.

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Starting her first match of the tournament, goalkeeper Georgia Boric made a stop on Tuyet Ngan minutes later to keep Australia's lead.

The 13th minute saw Australia double their lead with Western Sydney Wanderers forward Rachel Lowe producing a lovely volley on the end of Princess Ibini's whipped in cross at the back post.

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On the half hour mark Australia had her third with with Chidiac tucking home a loose ball in the penalty area for a 3-0 lead at the break.

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On the restart, Vietnam broke through when Tran Thi Hai Linh took advantage of a defensive mix up to stroke home their first goal of the tournament.

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Australia we quick to reply through Chidiac with the 2017 PFA Young Player of the Year combining with Siemsen before producing a surging run and composed finish in the 68th minute.

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Three minutes later Chidiac had her hattrick as she lashed home a cut back in the penalty area.

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Vietnam managed a consolation goal through    Ha Thi Nhai eight minutes from the final whistle.

“The result was terrific, obviously we needed to win," said head coach Gary van Egmond.

"The performance – I think we can improve on that. I think the girls were a little bit nervous knowing how much there was at stake, and ensuring that we had to win the game."

With Japan claiming a 2-0 win over Korea Republic in the other game, Australia's victory was enough to see them finish second in Group B and they will now meet DPR Korea in the semi finals.   

"We know (DPR Korea) are a very very strong outfit and they’ve done very well historically," van Egmond commented.

"They’re very strong, physically fit and well organised and we know its going to be a difficult game, but (Australia are) a real resilient group, and I wouldn’t put anything past them."

"We will draw some inspiration from the Matildas. We want to have players coming through and experiencing international football – all of these factors are very important.

"We’ll be doing everything to qualify for this World Cup."

MATCH DETAILS

Australia         5 (Siemsen 7', Lowe 13', Chidiac 30' / 68' / 71')

Vietnam              2 (TTH Linh 50' HT Nhai 81'))

LINE UP: 12. Georgia BORIC (GK), 2. Ellie CARPENTER, 4. Remy SIEMSEN 5. Rachel LOWE, 7. Princess IBINI, 8. Clare WHEELER, 10. Alex CHIDIAC (22. Amy SAYER 85’), 11. Kaitlyn TORPEY (13. Annabel MARTIN 75’), 19. Grace MAHER, 21. Hannah BACON, 23. Emily CONDON (14. Georgia PLESSAS)

SUBS NOT USED: 1. Jada Whyman, 3. Susan Phonsongham, 6. Ally Green, 15. Taylor Ray, 16. Melina Ayers, 17. Bethany Gordon, 18. Annalee Grove, 20. Sophie Nenadovic