The 28-year-old made a significant impact in her international return, supplying the assist for the first of Cailtin Foord’s three goals and showing a level of form and fitness which has eluded her for much of the last two years.

it was Simon’s first appearance under head coach Ante Milicic, with the Melbourne City star thrilled to play her part in an important win.

A Caitlin Foord hat-trick helped the Matildas avoid any slip ups on a sodden Campbelltown Stadium pitch, but Milicic seized on a handful of sloppy defensive moments, including one which saw Chinese Taipei striker Lee Hsiu-chin hit the woodwork, as something for his star-studded side to work on.

In their first competitive match since the FIFA Women’s World Cup France 2019 – where long balls over the back four caused regular problems for Milicic’s side – the Australian boss said the issue remains a long-term concern.

Caitlin Foord bagged a first-half hat-trick against former club coach Kazuo Echigo, while Steph Catley, Hayley Raso and substitutes Sam Kerr and Katrina Gorry also found the back of the net as the Matildas outclassed the 40th-ranked visitors.

While Ante Milicic’s side took trouble-free first steps on the road to Tokyo, Chinese Taipei are now likely to require a win against China PR on Monday if they are to keep their Olympic dream alive.

Unable to train and confined to their Brisbane hotel for an extended period as a result of health precautions, the Steel Roses showed they have an iron will, producing four first-half goals to claim a commanding victory a little over 24 hours after arriving in Sydney.

With three points emphatically secured, Jia revealed his satisfaction at his team’s ability to overcome their trying circumstances.

It may have been a belated start to their bid to reach Tokyo 2020, but the Steel Roses wasted no time in stamping their authority on Group B, as the seven-time Asian champions piled on four first-half goals to put themselves out of sight early in the contest.

Li Ying and Tang Jiali scored two goals apiece, with Zhang Xin and Wang Shanshan also getting on the scoresheet as China took a significant step towards next month’s final play-off round, while Thailand are on the brink of elimination after successive defeats.

After a goalless first half, Ngan Thi Van Su’s 62nd minute header proved the difference as Vietnam confirmed their place in next month’s Play-offs for a berth in Tokyo 2020.

They face Korea Republic, who defeated Myanmar 7-0 in their opener, on Sunday to determine the group winners.

Myanmar came into the match having suffered a 7-0 defeat to Korea Republic in their opener but held their own for the first 45 minutes against Vietnam before conceding a goal just after the hour mark which sent Tin Myint Aung's side crashing out of the tournament.