FFA’s and NZF’s Bid – which has received the unified support of the Governments of Australia and New Zealand – promises to amplify women’s football in Asia and Oceania like never before as the two culturally and geographically aligned nations work ‘As One’ to deliver a truly inspired celebration of women’s football.

FIFA president Gianni Infantino had already said that he was determined to push ahead with plans to expand the FIFA Women's World Cup in time for the next tournament after hailing France 2019 as "the best ever".

"The astounding success of this year's World Cup made it very clear that this is the time to keep the momentum going and take concrete steps to foster the growth of women's football," said Infantino, who has succeeded in expanding the men's tournament from 32 teams to 48 in time for the 2026 finals in the USA, Mexico and Canada.

"I am glad to see this proposal - the first of several - becoming a reality."

Rapinoe stroked home from 12 yards to put the USA ahead just after the hour mark and end the tournament as joint top scorer on six goals.

There was an air of inevitability about the 34-year-old, the star of this World Cup on and off the field, putting the USA ahead, and it also seemed inevitable that the breakthrough goal should come from a VAR-awarded penalty.

The whippet-like Lavelle, another stand-out performer over the last month, got the second in the 69th minute, killing off Dutch hopes of a comeback.

With three out of five representatives reaching the knockout stage, it was a tournament of much promise, but three losses in four days to European opposition meant that, for the first time in history, the quarter-final draw is without an Asian side.

As the dust settles on the Continent’s campaign at France 2019, the-AFC.com reviews the campaigns of each of the five participants.

Emily Gielnik scored the game’s only goal in the 23rd minute, while Sam Kerr provided the assist, had a penalty saved and hit the woodwork on a night where the Australian captain did everything but score.

The match was part of the Matildas’ preparation for next February’s Olympic Qualifiers, where they will meet Chinese Taipei, Thailand and China PR on the Road to Tokyo.

Japan 2-0 South Africa

All of the scoring came in the first half, with Olympique Lyonnais star Saki Kumagai notching a rare international goal in the 20th minute before Yuika Sugasawa added a second four minutes before half time.

Japan’s success follows last month’s 4-0 success over Canada, as the Asian champions look to challenge for medals in their home Olympics next August.

The in-form striker made the pledge in the wake of her superb hat-trick against Melbourne Victory on Saturday, which helped Beleza to their inaugural AFC Women’s Club Championship title in Yongin.

Tanaka’s four goals in that tournament followed 20 in Japan’s Nadeshiko League, a competition where she was also voted Most Valuable Player, but the 25-year-old has recently been a conspicuous absentee at the international level.