Get to know the Westfield Matildas 2018 AFC Women’s Asian Cup opponents

The Westfield Matildas are just days away from the 2018 AFC Women’s Asian Cup in Jordan and have been pitted in a tough group for the tournament.

Alen Stajcic’s side head into the tournament as Asia’s highest-ranked nation and will undoubtedly start as favourites to go all the way to the title.

With a 2019 FIFA World Cup spot also on the line (the top 5 as the Asian Cup qualify for the tournament in France), the stakes are high for the Aussie side.

Here’s what you need to know about our three group opponents.

JAPAN

World ranking: 11

Coach: Asako Takakura

Key player: Saki Kumagai

Best finish: Champions in 2014

How they qualified: qualified automatically as defending champions.

When we play them: Friday, April 13, kick-off 11.45pm @ Amman International Stadium.

KOREA REPUBLIC

World ranking: 16

Coach: Yoon Duk-yeo

Key player: Ji So-yun

Best finish: Third place in 2013

How they qualified: won their group on goal difference (three goals) ahead of DPR Korea.

When we play them: Sunday, April 8, kick-off 3am (AEST) @ King Abdullah II Stadium

VIETNAM

World ranking: 35

Coach: Mai Duc Chung

Key player: Huynh Nhu

Best finish: Group stage

How they qualified: won their group unbeaten ahead of Myanmar

When we play them: Wednesday, April 11, kick-off 3am (AEST) @ Amman International Stadium