Rae Dower’s side took the lead within five minutes and never looked back, piling on the goals in a dominant performance which included two each for Alana Jancevski, Hana Lowry and substitute Georgia Beaumont

The result means only a draw with Bangladesh on Saturday is required to guarantee Australia’s progression to the knockout stage for the first time since 2009, while Thailand are likely to require a win against three-time champions Japan to extend their campaign into a second week.

Japan, held to a goalless draw by Australia in their group opener, entered the match knowing they needed a win to keep in sight of the semi-finals.

With that in mind, the young Nadeshiko immediately pressed the South Asians and enjoyed the best of starts when Manaka Hayashi was left with ample space outside the box to let loose a superb strike into the top left corner within the first 70 seconds.

China PR play DPR Korea in what could be a decisive match that would send a team to the semi-finals, while Vietnam and Korea Republic face a must-win tie to truly revive their hopes of reaching the last four.

There were joyous scenes including players and coaches alike in the Chinese technical area after second-half goals from Zou Mengyao and Shao Ziqin secured a 2-0 victory in their opening Group B clash with Korea Republic, and three crucial points in Chan’s first competitive match in charge.

Three years after making global headlines for leading Eastern SC to the Hong Kong Premier League title – and becoming the first female coach anywhere in the world to win a top-flight men’s league – the 2016 AFC Women’s Coach of the Year is aiming to guide the next generation of Chinese women’s talent to a maiden Asian crown.

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.

Both sides had their chances to win the tie, but neither managed to hold their nerve in front of goal in a hard-fought tournament opener at IPE Chonburi Stadium.

Goalkeeper Miranda Templeman starred for Australia, who became the first side to avoid defeat against Japan in the opening game of the competition since DPR Korea in 2007.

With Japan and Australia having played to a goalless draw in the tournament opener earlier on Sunday, the win took Thailand to the top of the Group A standings at the end of Matchday One in Group A.