The Australian’s first round acted as a learning curve after the Matildas were stifled by South Korea’s “parked bus” method of play.

Coach Alen Stajcic has remained positive, stating in the post-game press conference that his team will take steps to adapt to this style of play for future games.

Vietnam opened their Asian Cup campaign with a 3-1 loss against reigning Asian Cup winners Japan, so they will need nothing less than a win if they hope to qualify for the 2019 World Cup.

Nicknamed the “Golden Girls,” Vietnam has steadily grown to become serious contenders in international football, taking home gold three times since 2003.

LAST TIME THEY MET

Last time Australia and Vietnam met was at the 2016 Olympic Games Qualifiers where the Matildas took home the win with a dominant final score of 9-0.

Prior to this, Australia and Vietnam have faced off five times since 2008, with Australia bagging the win each time and scores varying anywhere from 1-0 to 11-0.

KEY PLAYER AUSTRALIA: MICHELLE HEYMAN

Michelle Heyman boasts an impressive total of five goals against Vietnam, with three of them coming in the form of a hat-trick when the teams met at the 2015 World Cup.

If Heyman is able to produce the same performance, Australia should be able to capitalise, earn their three points and be that much closer to the finals.

KEY PLAYER VIETNAM: DANG THI KIEU TRINH

She is a shot stopper and could frustrate the Australian forwards if they are not entirely accurate or critical in front of goal. 

While her height might let her down, she is one of the most experienced players in the competition having made 84 appearances since 2004 and will be looking to redeem herself after a frustrating time in goal against Japan. 

WHERE IT WILL BE WON

History suggests that the Matildas have never had an issue bagging the win against Vietnam, but at this level of football anyone can win.

Since Australia and Vietnam met two years ago, Vietnam has gone from strength to strength.

Under Coach Mai Duc Chung they now have an impressive undefeated record for 2017 and took home a gold medal the same year in the South-East Asian Games.

It would be naïve to expect an “easy game” at this level, with Vietnam having the potential to be a dark horse of the competition but with Australia now wiser to different types of defending, and with most of their key players back from injury, both teams are in their best form for a win.

MATCH DETAILS 

Vietnam vs Australia

Kick-off: Wednesday, April 11 3am AEST (local time 8pm April 10)

Amman International Stadium, Amman