In the first of a series of weekly updates, the-AFC.com provides the latest news on Asia's five World Cup-bound teams, as they edge ever closer to the biggest tournament in the women's game.

Despite the daunting tasks facing them, however, forward Yeo Min-ji is confident that her side is capable of springing a surprise or two.

"This is our third Women's World Cup campaign," said the 25-year-old striker.

"Four years ago, we reached the Round of 16 in Canada (for the first time) so the expectations are high heading to France this time around. Our men's team performed well in last year’s World Cup and we want to impress the watching world at France just like they did in Russia.

"For me, this is my first Women's World Cup. I missed out on Canada 2015 due to an unexpected injury. I had participated in the U-17 and U-20 Women's World Cups so I can't wait for my Women's World Cup debut in France."

The duo is joined by Pernille Harder of Denmark, Lindsey Horan of the United States and Ada Hegerberg, Kumagai's Olympique Lyonnais teammate, who won the first ever Women's Ballon d'Or in 2018.

The publicly-voted award, which will be announced on May 22, has never been won by an Asian player since its inception in 2015, and this year's edition is the first time two Asian players have reached the top five.

Cho's decisive penalty came following a 1-1 draw with Reading in the semi-final, with the midfielder giving West Ham a historic 4-3 win in the shootout, and setting up a showdown with Manchester City in next month's final at Wembley Stadium.

With the two sides - both mid-table in the FA Women's Super League - looking for a first ever appearance in the final, Reading took the lead through Rachel Furness four minutes into the second half, but West Ham levelled eight minutes later through Swiss forward Alisha Lehmann.

GERMANY 2-2 JAPAN

Japan led twice, but ultimately had to share the spoils with Germany in an entertaining 2-2 draw at Paderborn's Benteler Arena.

Yui Hasegawa and Kumi Yokoyama gave Japan leads in either half, but they gave them both up, as Svenja Huth's equaliser 18 minutes from time denied Asako Takakura's side a confidence-boosting win two months before the World Cup.

“2015 was a year with some regrets,” said Wu. “That year people learned that Team China was still young, but full of enthusiasm. After four years of effort, I hope this year we are to be recognised as a more mature, tactical and organised team.”

At just 26, Wu has immense responsibility on her shoulders as China look to go one step further than the team of 20 years ago, when a Sun Wen-led side narrowly lost out on penalties to the USA at the 1999 FIFA Women’s World Cup.

The defender said wearing the armband was something she found a little more difficult starting out, but has grown into the role, enjoying the responsibility of looking out for her ‘family’.

The top six remained unchanged, with Australia as Asia's best-ranked team after maintaining their position at sixth in the world. Ante Milicic's squad, are in Group C alongside Italy, Brazil and Jamaica for France 2019.

Japan, who are in Group D with England, Scotland and Argentina, moved up a notch to seventh, while DPR Korea, who will not play in France maintained at 11th in the world.