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.

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.

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.

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.

As part of the opening ceremony, the spectators at the sold-out Amman International Stadium were treated to a live performance of the official song of the tournament, ‘Cheer for Her’, performed by Jordanian stars Nidaa Sharara and Hana Malhas.

The lyrics of the official song are in Arabic and English. Last year’s The Voice Arabia winner Nidaa Sharara composed the song and wrote the Arabic words and Hana Malhas is behind the English lyrics. ‘Cheer for Her’ was produced by Hani Assadi/Hani Studios.

 

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 Southeast Asians begin their 2018 AFC Women’s Asian Cup Group A campaign against China PR at the Amman International Stadium on Friday, with not only continental glory beckoning, but also a place at next year’s World Cup in France.

Having watched her country qualify for the last Women’s World Cup in 2015 thanks to a fifth-place finish at the 2014 Women’s Asian Cup, Suchawadee is understandably eager for history to repeat itself.