The fixtures against the Scandinavian nations form part of the Matildas' preparations ahead of July’s women’s football tournament with Gustavsson calling in a host of familiar names and fresh faces.

Wild surf and a freak leg-rope tangle on a protruding pipe saw Grant trapped underwater with no escape seemingly possible, only for the rope to unexpectedly free itself.

Wu Lei scored his side’s opener from the penalty spot before adding his team’s third while Wu Xi, Ai Kesen and Jin Jingdao were also on the scoresheet before A Lan added a late brace to move the Chinese into sole possession of second place in Group A.

With the action coming thick and fast over a two-week period during which teams will look to secure a place in the next round of qualifying, the-AFC.com shines the spotlight on some of the form players who will be representing their nations.

The FC Istiklol star – who has played every minute of Tajikistan’s campaign thus far – will miss crucial games against Japan on June 7 and Myanmar on June 15.

While top spot in the group has already been secured by Japan, Tajikistan are fighting with Kyrgyz Republic for the chance to advance as one of the top four second-placed teams, a result which would also secure qualification for the AFC Asian Cup China 2023.

With just over two years to go until the tournament kicks off, Dave Beeche has been appointed as the new CEO of the FIFA Women’s World Cup 2023 in Australia and New Zealand from 14 June this year and will lead the overall delivery of the tournament, together with the Chief Operating Officers, Jane Fernandez and Jane Patterson.

Speaking on his appointment, Beeche said: “I am honoured and excited to be given the opportunity to lead the delivery of such a significant tournament, especially at a time when there is so much focus globally on the development of women’s sport and, more broadly, the empowerment of women. I look forward to working with both member associations and the Host Cities to not only deliver an outstanding tournament that showcases the world-class talent in women’s football, but leave a lasting positive legacy for women’s sport.”

As the continental competition takes a break, the-AFC.com looks back at some of the numbers that stood out in the 2021 AFC Cup (West) Zone.