In an international debut to cherish, Bolden’s 76th minute strike sealed the Malditas’ come-from-behind 2-1 win over the hosts, and potentially put the Southeast Asians within one win of the semi-finals and a first ever trip to the FIFA Women’s World Cup.

The 21-year-old, who plays her domestic football for Loyola Marymount University in the US college system, savoured her role in the Philippines’ history-making night in Amman.

Vietnam, who are appearing in their eighth successive AFC Women’s Asian Cup, are in Group B alongside Japan, Korea Republic and the continent’s highest-ranked team Australia, and will start the campaign as underdogs.

But the forward, who scored a number of goals in qualifying for the tournament, is going into the clash at King Abdullah II Stadium confident that Vietnam have what it takes to challenge at the highest level on the continent.

On a night of high emotion at the Amman International Stadium, Bolden’s strike ensured all three points for the Southeast Asians as they secured a vital opening day win and second place in the group behind table-topping China PR who defeated Thailand 4-0 earlier in the day.

After an evenly contested opening, it was Jordan who threatened first, Philippines goalkeeper Kearra Bastes-Jones smartly gathering Maysa Jbarah’s drive from distance on 14 minutes.

With Jordan continuing to press, the breakthrough came just sixty seconds later when the lively Jbarah expertly converted captain Stephanie Al Naber’s pinpoint pass.

Despite their early setback, the Southeast Asians responded brightly, with Maria Park’s curling free-kick forcing Salma Ghazal into a fine save just inches under her crossbar.

As the first half came to a close, Jbarah was desperately close to doubling her side’s advantage but her shot from close-range fizzed narrowly wide of the upright.

Song Duan’s second half brace along with strikes from Wang Shuang and Li Ying proved the difference as head coach Sigurdur Eyjolsson’s charges claimed the opening day victory they had craved and pole position in the group ahead of the Philippines who defeated host nation Jordan in the day’s later fixture.

Despite their eventual capitulation and a bout of early Chinese pressure, it was Thailand who were the first to threaten thanks to Suchawadee Nildhamrong’s fifth minute shot from distance that fizzed narrowly wide of Peng Shimeng’s right hand post.

China were quick to reply however, as first Song brought out a fine save from Thailand goalkeeper Waraporn Boonsing on 14 minutes, and Zhang Rui flashed a header over the bar from the resulting corner.

The Japanese team enter the competition as reigning champions thanks to their success at the tournament’s last edition in 2014, continental glory that allowed them to go on and claim a runners-up spot at the FIFA Women’s World Cup just over a year later.

Despite the glowing reputation that precedes them, Takakura admits that all has, however, not been plain sailing for Japan, but is adamant the niggling issues that have surfaced can be overcome.

“In the last edition of the Women’s Asian Cup we won the title, but we are slowly building a new team,” said the 49-year-old who was appointed in 2016.

At the last edition of the tournament, Stajcic was a caretaker coach called upon at the last minute to replace Dutchwoman Hesterine de Reus and, while the astute boss guided the Matildas to the final, the preparations for Jordan 2018 are a world away from his previous experience.

“Over the last three or four years the team has come a long way,” he said.

“We’ve certainly matured a lot as a team together, both me as a coach and the playing group. We’ve developed a lot more consistency, maturity and professionalism on and off the field.

The 27-year-old star was in line to reach a century of international appearances a month ago, and started in Korea Republic’s final Algarve Cup match against Norway, only for it to be abandoned due to heavy rain.

The unusual circumstances mean Ji can now officially celebrate her 100th cap in Korea Republic’s AFC Women’s Asian Cup opener against Australia, but the Chelsea star isn't getting carried away with the personal milestone.

“Saturday’s match is very important for the team and, it’s true, it will be my 100th cap, but I just want to focus on the match rather than that,” she said.

Ji, who has been a crucial ingredient in Chelsea’s run to this season’s UEFA Women’s Champions League semi-finals, arrives in Jordan in top form, and believes her experience in Europe can benefit her team against Australia.