China's last four hopes now depend on their final group tie against Japan on Sunday while Myanmar, who will play Korea Republic next, have no chance of advancing after two defeats.

Australia bounced back from their opening day defeat to DPR Korea to keep their hopes of landing their maiden title alive, with the victory putting them third in the standings behind Vietnam – beaten 3-0 by DPR Korea earlier in the day – on goal difference.

Despite enjoying the lion’s share of possession throughout the first period, Son’s charges failed to find the net against a battling Vietnam side at the IPE Stadium.

However, a tweak in approach made all the difference after the break as the 2007 winners went on to score three times and assure themselves a place in the next round after Australia defeated hosts Thailand 3-1 in Group A’s other fixture.

Mary Fowler’s first-half brace and a Courtney Nevin set-piece special helped secure the vital three-point haul for Australia on a night when host nation Thailand’s title aspirations were extinguished despite a determined performance.

The result, which also saw table-topping DPR Korea confirmed as the first team through to the last four, leaves Australia needing to beat Vietnam on Saturday to be assured of their progress through to the knockout phase.

The win took the 2007 champions to six points and with Australia defeating Thailand 3-1 in the group's later match on Wednesday, DPR Korea were assured of a top two finish.

Kang struck either side of the break to ensure a winning start for Hur Jung-jae’s charges as they overcame a resilient Chinese outfit in what turned out to be an enthralling all-East Asian affair.

The result leaves the Koreans occupying second spot in the Group B standings after table-topping Japan overcame Myanmar 5-0 earlier in the day.

Yuzuki Yamamoto and Haruka Osawa gave Japan a 2-0 lead at half-time with Yamamoto, Maho Hirosawa and Sara Ito adding second half goals to complete the resounding win.