Korea Republic must defeat neighbours DPR Korea in their final Group B match on Sunday to progress.

Four goalsocerers found the net in another convincing display of power and precision from the defending champions.

The win, which follows a 10-0 victory over Vietnam on Monday, keeps DPR Korea in top spot in Group B, although their place in the semi-finals is still yet to be confirmed with one match remaining.

Two goals each to Alana Jancevski, Hana Lowry and Georgia Beaumont helped the Junior Matildas to their biggest win at the tournament since 2013 and put them within 90 minutes of a first semi-final appearance since 2009.

Current senior international stars like Sam Kerr, Emily van Egmond and Caitlin Foord made names for themselves in that tournament, and Dower believes it is only a matter of time before some of her young charges follow in their illustrious footsteps.

Three-time champions Japan were held 0-0 by Australia in their Group A opener, but resumed normal business with a comprehensive 9-0 win over Bangladesh on Wednesday.

What made the win even more impressive was that six different players found the back of the net, with Tanno, Momoko Nebu and Maika Hamano scoring two goals each.

There were joyous scenes including players and coaches alike in the Chinese technical area after second-half goals from Zou Mengyao and Shao Ziqin secured a 2-0 victory in their opening Group B clash with Korea Republic, and three crucial points in Chan’s first competitive match in charge.

Three years after making global headlines for leading Eastern SC to the Hong Kong Premier League title – and becoming the first female coach anywhere in the world to win a top-flight men’s league – the 2016 AFC Women’s Coach of the Year is aiming to guide the next generation of Chinese women’s talent to a maiden Asian crown.

Zou Mengyao opened the scoring with just under 30 minutes remaining, before a Shao Ziqin penalty kick sealed a winning start for Chan Yuen Ting’s side.

Korea Republic, the 2017 runners-up, remain in contention for the latter stages of the competition, but their defeat leaves little room for error in their remaining group stage matches against Vietnam and DPR Korea.

DPR Korea are seeking a fourth Continental title and based on their form against Vietnam, the East Asians will be a tough team to beat in the AFC U-16 Women’s Championship Thailand 2019.