07:42

After two emphatic results against Chinese Taipei and Thailand the Matildas’ journey towards the Tokyo Olympics faces a final group stage test tonight - the might of the globe’s most populous nation.  Ranked 16th in the world, China contested the 1999 Women’s World Cup final - they’re no slouches in the women’s game, and thanks to a recent directive from the premier, football is once again on the rise.  The outbreak of the coronavirus may have denied China the rights to host these preliminary qualifiers, and then disrupted the team’s travel and training plans significantly.  But coming off 6-1 and 5-0 wins respectively, they’ve already shown themselves to be in fine fettle.  On the line is top spot in Group B - a draw or a win will see Australia book a home-and-away double date with Group A runners up Vietnam next month.  A loss and the Matildas will face the more fancied South Korea, as Asia decides its final two spots to take on the world in Japan.