Following from a 3-1 win over a stubborn Jordan defence, Australia now face an equally unpredictable opponent in tournament hosts Vietnam at Thong Nhat Stadium, kick-off 10:15pm (AEST) tonight Sunday 18 May 2014.

Vietnam have launched their Asian Cup bid with absolute passion and resolve. The locals securing a solid 3-1 win over Jordan and then holding an organised Japan to 1-0 at halftime and 4-0 at the final whistle.

Vietnam have looked strongest off set play free kicks with sprightly midfielder Muon leaping high to get her head first to the ball.

Expect in-form striker Huong to present some gasp moments after she was able to net a double against Jordan including a very well placed chip over the goalkeeper.

Local support for the Vietnamese national team has been raucous and contagious.

Captain Thuong has been leading her side with her huge work rate and this has set the tone for the team: every single ball must be chased down and challenged.

The Vietnamese have demonstrated an ability to create attacking chances but their inconsistent finish has proved costly with squandered opportunities.

The vocal local crowd will play a major role tonight as the constant drumming and singing will propel the young side to play their hearts out for 90 tough minutes.

The Matildas come into this game looking for the three points that would secure their qualification for the 2015 FIFA Women's World Cup.

The Australians are coming off a shaky win over Jordan but when playing their best have looked sharp sharing the points in a 2-2 draw with Japan.

Coach Alen Stajcic is not giving away any secrets on his intended starting XI. The 10 changes across the park he implemented against Jordan has shown us two totally different Australian sides and raises questions on the best way to approach tonight's game.

Should Australia come out guns blazing or rest vital players to ensure fresh legs for the finals?

“It will be a very tough game. They played very well against Jordan and we’ll definitely have to improve on our performance against Jordan,” Stajcic said.

“I hope there’s a big crowd here, it usually motivates both teams when there’s a big crowd, so the more people that come the better and I encourage as big a crowd as we can to get to the game. I’m sure it will be a good spectacle.”

As Jordan did, Vietnam may sit the team deep to crowd the Australians out of the box. This will prove to frustrate an impatient Matildas side when coupled with time-wasting tactics designed to disrupt and slow the Australian charge.

A favoured Australia cannot rest on their laurels against the tournament hosts Vietnam.

“They (Vietnam) are disciplined, particularly in defence."

"They’ve got no shortage of motivation with what’s at stake and on top of all of that they need to win, so we’ve got be alert, ensure we come in with the right attitude and make sure we execute our strategies to break them down while also staying composed and switched on defensively.”

A big win would see Australia in a battle with Japan for top of the group table on goal difference however, the importance of placing first or second in the group is of little significance with a semifinal against South Korea or China of equal challenge.

The Matildas will likely encounter an intense and unpredictable match-up tonight. A psychological showdown. The Australians with their last chance to show the tournament front-runners what they are made of in the final group stage game of the tournament.

Vietnam v Westfield Matildas

Sunday 18 May 2014

Thong Nhat Stadium, Ho Chi Minh

Kick-Off: 7.15pm local time (10.15pm AEST)

LIVE & exclusive on Fox Sports 2 and 2HD

Westfield Matildas squad: 1.Brianna DAVEY (gk), 2.Teigen ALLEN, 3.Kim CARROLL, 4.Clare POLKINGHORNE, 5.Laura ALLEWAY, 6.Leena KHAMIS, 7.Hayley RASO, 8.Elise KELLOND-KNIGHT, 9.Caitlin FOORD, 10.Emily VAN EGMOND, 11.Lisa DE VANNA, 12.Kate GILL, 13.Tameka BUTT, 14.Alanna KENNEDY, 15.Nicola BOLGER, 16.Stephanie CATLEY, 17.Teresa POLIAS, 18.Lydia WILLIAMS (gk), 19.Katrina GORRY, 20.Samantha KERR, 21.Casey DUMONT (gk), 22.Ashleigh SYKES, 23.Michelle HEYMAN, 24.Emma CHECKER

HEAD TO HEAD RECORD

Australia 2; Vietnam 0; Draws 0

Previous Meetings

19-May-2010 – Australia won 2-0 in Chengdu (AFC Women’s Cup – Group Stage)

20-Oct-2008 – Australia won 1-0 in Ho Chi Minh (ASEAN Championship – Final)