Wang Shanshan continued her triumphant return to the team with a brace, while Tang Jiali, Wu Haiyan and Li Ying also got their names on the scoresheet in a stunning five-goal first-half blitz.

The Taeguk Ladies found a way past an ultra defensive Vietnam with goals from Jang Sel-gi, Choo Hyo-joo and Ji So-yun to set up a date with the Group B runners-up in next month’s Play-offs.

Vietnam, who claimed second spot, will face the Group B winners with the triumphant teams from the Play-offs joining hosts Japan as Asia’s representatives at the 2020 Olympics.

The Taeguk Ladies dominated from start to finish and will face the Group B runners-up in next month’s Play-offs, with the winners to join hosts Japan as Asia’s representatives at the 2020 Olympics.

Vietnam, who also advanced, will play the Group B winners.

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.

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.

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.

Ji So-yun put the Taeguk Ladies ahead with a fifth minute penalty and Lee So-dam doubled their advantage for a 2-0 lead at half-time, before Korea Republic turned on the power in the second half to register a resounding win.

Colin Bell’s side are one step closer to earning a spot at Tokyo 2020, while Myanmar will have to win their next match against Vietnam to keep their Olympic dream alive.