Kim Kyong-yong’s brace laid the foundations for the impressive victory, one which sees the 2007 champions DPR Korea advance to their fifth successive title showdown at this level.

Korea Republic, meanwhile, remain in the running for a World Cup ticket as they will now face the losers of the other semi-final tie between Japan and Australia to battle it out for Asia’s third berth at the global extravaganza.

While Australia are just 90 minutes away from qualifying for the 2020 FIFA U-20 Women's World Cup in Nigeria, Fowler admits that their journey so far has been a challenging one.

“We had a tough start against DPR Korea. Losing that game obviously meant we had to win the next two games."

Under the guidance of head coach Son Sung-gwon, DPR Korea have impressed in Chonburi, with three successive victories helping them finish first in Group A and move within touching distance of not only a place in the competition’s final, but also a berth at next year’s FIFA U-20 Women’s World Cup in Nigeria.

Join the-AFC.com as we take a look at the key facts and figures to emerge from the tournament’s group stage.

Hur Jung-jae’s charges needed a win against Myanmar at the IPE Chonburi Stadium, but their progress through to the competition’s knockout stage was also reliant on Japan beating China PR in Group B’s other match.

The dynamic midfielder scored her side’s second goal in Sunday’s hard-fought 2-1 win over China PR, a result which saw reigning champions Japan claim pole position in Group B and sail into the competition’s last four on the back of three successive victories.

Needing only a draw to progress, Vietnam were seven minutes away from making their first knockout stage appearance until the last gasp drama at a rain-soaked IPE Chonburi Stadium.

However, Mary Fowler’s strike in the 83rd minute would ultimately break Vietnam hearts as Leah Blayney’s charges held on to stay in sight of both the Continental title and a place in the FIFA U-20 Women's World Cup 2020 Nigeria.