Yoon Duk-yeo’s charges were eliminated, despite remaining unbeaten and not conceding a single goal in the group stage, by virtue of their inability to find the net in matches against group rivals Australia and Japan.

A standout performer for the East Asians in all three Group B fixtures, Cho revealed her pride at Korea Republic’s efforts.

“We put in great performances in all the matches even though we didn’t qualify for the semi-finals,” she said. 

“It would have been much better if we made it there but still the players did their best. Individually each player has done very well. We did our best in the match with Vietnam but we couldn’t do anything about the other matches.

“We met Asia’s strongest teams, Australia and Japan, and our aim was not to concede and we managed that so that is an important thing to take from the tournament.”

Both sides finished third in their respective groups to set up the crucial play-off for fifth place at the AFC Women’s Asian Cup 2018, the winner of which is guaranteed a place at France 2019 along with China PR, Thailand, Australia and Japan who have all made the semi-finals in Jordan.

Despite his side being far from favourites to win Monday’s eagerly anticipated showdown, Benlarbi believes the Philippines are more than ready to give their all given what is at stake.

“We still have a chance to qualify for the World Cup, so we must play without any pressure,” he said.

“The Philippines have absolutely nothing to lose as nobody really expected us to be in the position that we find ourselves in.

“We must give our all, as we have 90 minutes to reach the World Cup, it is potentially a once-in-a-lifetime moment for my players.

“If they all do their very best, they can achieve their goals.”

Despite their comfortable 4-0 win over Vietnam on Matchday Three, the Koreans narrowly failed to qualify for the AFC Women’s Asian Cup’s final four – and France 2019 – after finishing third in Group B behind table-topping Australia and second-placed Japan.

A showdown for fifth and sixth place with the Philippines now awaits Yoon Duk-yeo’s charges, the winners of which is also guaranteed a place at next year’s global extravaganza, something Ji says she is fully focused on.

On a dramatic final day of group stage action in Jordan, Yoon’s charges beat Vietnam 4-0 but still only finished third in Group B after table-topping Australia’s 1-1 draw with second-placed Japan had seen the two teams progress to the competition’s knockout phase and secure their tickets to France 2019.

However, with a play-off for fifth and sixth against the Philippines to come on Monday – the winners of which are also assured of a World Cup berth – the Korean tactician is adamant that his side will be more than ready for the challenges they are set to face.

Despite starting the stronger of the two sides in the crucial Matchday Three clash against the Nadeshiko, Australia found themselves a goal behind, and minutes away from elimination before a late Sam Kerr strike salvaged a draw, sending the Matildas to the semi-finals and next year’s FIFA Women’s World Cup.

Van Egmond told the-AFC.com her side were pleased to have survived the scare.

“We’re relieved,” she said, adding: “To go down 1-0, we knew we needed to get a goal back to finish top of the group or even just to finish second.

“Credit to the girls, we put in a really good shift and fought for the 90 minutes, and also credit to a really good Japanese side.”

Kerr’s late heroics not only saved Australia from a first ever group stage elimination, but rocketed them to the top of Group B and set up a meeting with the same Thailand side they beat 5-0 in Perth just three weeks ago.

The Chonburi-based 24-year-old was voted Player of the Match for her performance in Thailand’s 3-1 win, and revealed her delight at the Southeast Asian nation’s return to the global championship.

“I’m incredibly happy that we’re going back to the World Cup for the second time,” she said, adding “It’s going to be another challenge and test for us to see if we can do better than last time.”

“Tonight’s result was a reward for our efforts and preparation. I’m really proud of our efforts and I’m really happy.”

The East Asians rounded off their Group A campaign with a comprehensive 8-1 defeat of host nation Jordan on Thursday, a win that confirmed their position at the top of the table and a last four encounter with either Australia, Japan or Korea Republic from Group B.

After three successive group stage victories, Ren is now looking forward to challenges playing a top side in the semi-finals will bring.

“I think it will be a good test for us to play a stronger team in the semi-finals,” declared the 29-year-old midfielder.

“I am really looking forward to our match in the semi-finals (whoever it is against).

“I also hope we will be able to carry out what our head coach has planned.”