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.

With Australia facing an exit from Jordan 2018 following veteran Japan midfielder Mizuho Sakaguchi’s 63rd minute goal, the 2017 AFC Women’s Player of the Year found the back of the net with four minutes remaining to send both sides through to the semi-finals with a 1-1 draw.

“Everything’s kind of a blur right now, but we’ve qualified and we look forward to the semi-final,” she said.

Having survived and, in the end, topped the tournament’s group of death, the star striker said she is looking forward to Tuesday’s semi-final against Thailand, and no further.

“I think it gives us a lot of confidence, but I don’t think we’re thinking about winning this tournament yet,” she said.

"We’re thinking about winning the next game, and it’s always been that way. We were three minutes away from being out of the Asian Cup, so football is a funny game and we’re just focused on the next, but getting out of a group with such a tough run gives us a lot of confidence.”

The Matildas were on the verge of exiting the tournament at the group stage for the first time in their history, until Sam Kerr popped up with an 86th minute goal to level the tie at 1-1 and send both teams through to the next round.

A relieved Stajcic said he was proud of his side’s willingness to fight back after falling behind to Mizuho Sakaguchi’s 63rd minute goal.

“Thankfully we’ve got great character in our team and great spirit,” he said, adding “we fought until the end, until we got that goal back.”

“Not only is there good skill, good fitness and good speed in our team, there’s also good team spirit and the will to fight to the end, so I’m really proud of the group for that quality that we have.”

Having become the first Thai head coach to achieve World Cup qualification in 2014, the 46-year-old tactician ensured the Southeast Asians will return to the world stage, and revealed her satisfaction at the achievement.

“Right now, I’m very happy,” she said, adding “we finally reached our target and our goal for the tournament.”

“Amongst the pressure and the expectation of the fans, it’s a really happy moment now that we’ve made it. We know we’ll have to play better and face tougher tests at the tournament next year. I think the teams from Asia are among the best, so if we can compete at this level, we can also play at the higher level.”

As was the case when Thailand secured qualification by beating Vietnam four years ago, Kanjana Sung-Ngeon played a pivotal role, scoring twice on a night where both sides created many chances in front of goal, and Nuengrutai heaped praised the veteran.

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.”