It took until the dying seconds for Asako Takakura's side to secure their point, with Yuka Momiki's stoppage time equaliser denying the Americans, who had appeared set for victory when Alex Morgan put them 2-1 up with less than 15 minutes remaining.

With Rikako Kobayashi and Arisa Matsubara both appearing for the first time on the senior international stage, Japan began the match on the back foot, but burst into life just after the 10-minute mark, when Kumi Yokoyama's effort hit the woodwork.

The Southeast Asians were far too strong for their European opponents in the Group B clash, scoring twice in each half to cruise to victory in their first ever outing in the tournament.

Midfielder Rattikan Thongsombut (pictured above) gave Nuengrutai Srathongvian's side an 11th-minute lead, before 2015 FIFA Women's World Cup hero Orathai Srimanee scored in the final minute of the first half to make it 2-0 at the break.

Rattikan added her second and Thailand's third in the 49th minute before US-born forward Suchawadee Nildhamrong completed the rout with four minutes remaining, ensuring the Chaba Kaew will be full of confidence in Friday's meeting with Mexico, who lost 5-0 to Italy.

Collectively, the Continent's five World Cup representatives will compete in Australia, the United States, Portugal and Cyprus, giving players one of their final opportunities to impress ahead of June's global showpiece.

Team by team, and tournament by tournament, the-AFC.com looks at the ins and outs of a significant week on the road to France.

Japan, Australia, China PR, Thailand and Korea Republic are the nations to have survived the qualification tightrope, earning the chance to emulate Asia's heroes from tournaments past.

With 100 days until the opening of France 2019, the-AFC.com celebrates the Continent's proud history at the biggest event of the women's game, by reliving some of Asia's brightest days at the FIFA Women's World Cup.

In one of his first major decisions as boss, Milicic selected Kerr as captain and defender Steph Catley as vice-captain on the eve of the Cup of Nations tournament, which begins in Sydney on Thursday.

The shift to a permanent captain and vice-captain is in contrast to Australia's approach in recent years, where the role has been shared among a number senior players, with a different player wearing the armband in each of the side's five matches at last April's AFC Women's Asian Cup in Jordan.

Kerr's selection comes after a stunning two years for club and country, which have seen her become one of the world's brightest attacking stars, earning a litany of individual accolades, including AFC Women's Player of the Year in 2017.

The tactician named a 26-strong squad for the Cup of Nations, which kicks off in Australia on Thursday, and expects to select his France 2019 roster from this group of players.

Yoon, however, has not ruled out including players not in the squad who impress for the FIFA Women's World Cup challenge where Korea Republic are in Group A with hosts France, Norway and Nigeria.

The Taeguk Ladies will face France in the tournament opener on June 7 with the final scheduled for July 7.

The upcoming Australia-hosted Cup of Nations featuring Argentina, Korea Republic and New Zealand will be Milicic's immediate challenge with the 2019 FIFA Women's World Cup France in June his major test in his first senior appointment.

It is a challenge the former Australia U-19 head coach is relishing, thanks to his vast experience of having coached at different levels.

The former striker shares his thoughts and plans with the-AFC.com.