The second youngest player in the Korean squad at Uruguay 2018, Gwak was just 15 when – alongside current teammates Kim Min-ji and Kim Ye-eun - she lived the World Cup experience that awaits the top two sides in Asia.

Far from being a mere passenger on the journey, Gwak started all three matches at the Finals, but was unable to prevent Hur Jung-jae’s side from suffering a group stage elimination.

Korea Republic must defeat neighbours DPR Korea in their final Group B match on Sunday to progress.

Four goalsocerers found the net in another convincing display of power and precision from the defending champions.

The win, which follows a 10-0 victory over Vietnam on Monday, keeps DPR Korea in top spot in Group B, although their place in the semi-finals is still yet to be confirmed with one match remaining.

Zou Mengyao opened the scoring with just under 30 minutes remaining, before a Shao Ziqin penalty kick sealed a winning start for Chan Yuen Ting’s side.

Korea Republic, the 2017 runners-up, remain in contention for the latter stages of the competition, but their defeat leaves little room for error in their remaining group stage matches against Vietnam and DPR Korea.

DPR Korea are seeking a fourth Continental title and based on their form against Vietnam, the East Asians will be a tough team to beat in the AFC U-16 Women’s Championship Thailand 2019.

Three-time champions Japan were held 0-0 by Australia in their Group A opener, but resumed normal business with a comprehensive 9-0 win over Bangladesh on Wednesday.

What made the win even more impressive was that six different players found the back of the net, with Tanno, Momoko Nebu and Maika Hamano scoring two goals each.

The Live Monitor is being used for the first time in AFC competitions and the Group A teams - Australia, Bangladesh, Japan and hosts Thailand - experienced its benefits first hand in Chonburi, Thailand on Sunday.