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.

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.

Ting Chi’s strike midway through the first half gave Kazuo Echigo’s side a lead they never relinquished, well and truly keeping alive their hopes of advancing to next month’s final qualifying play-off as one the group’s top two sides.

Monday’s defeat comes as a severe blow to Thailand, who are now likely to need positive results against both China PR and Australia if their Olympic dream is to become a reality.

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.

Vietnam’s victory means Korea Republic - who defeated Myanmar 7-0 on Monday - have also confirmed their place in the Play-offs with the two sides’ clash on Sunday to determine the group winners.