Nervy Matildas book World Cup berth

Michelle Heyman #23 and Elise Kellond #8 of Australia celebrate a goal against Vietnam. Source: Stanley Chou / Getty Images

AUSTRALIA qualified for next year's FIFA women's World Cup after a nervous 2-0 win over Vietnam at Thong Nhat Stadium on Sunday.

An own goal and a wonderful strike from midfielder Katrina Gorry in the 90th minute which thundered into the back of the net made the three points safe for the Matildas in the final Group A clash of the AFC Asian Cup.

The victory also sees the Matildas just two games away from retaining the Asian Cup after ending its group in second place.

Australia has now qualified for Thursday's Asian Cup semi final while Vietnam still has a chance to earn a spot at the Canada World Cup if it wins the fifth place play off on Wednesday.

Japan topped Group A - equal on seven points with Australia but with a better goal difference - after smashing bottom-placed Jordan 7-0 at Binh Duong Stadium.

But a dubious referee's call led to a decisive break through goal.Match official Pannipar Kamnueng awarded Australia a free kick for a pass back when Vietnam defender Nguyen Anh cannoned a clearance into the thankful arms of keeper Bui Nhu.

With Vietnam forced to sit on the goal line for the set piece Emily van Egmond's shot from a Lisa De Vanna lay off bobbled across the line.

But the home side's captain Le Thuong watched the ball sail into the back of the net after Nguyen Hoa smacked the ball into her shins.

Despite the calamitous circumstances of the opening goal Australia was almost forced to pay the ultimate price for missing chances.

Striker Michelle Heyman had a golden opportunity to open Australia's account when the game was just four minutes old but after a tantalising cross from Stephanie Catley the Matildas forward couldn't direct her header towards goal.

But Vietnam bounced back and took the game to Australia just three minutes later when Nguyen Hoa's 16m shot flew over the bar leaving Matildas keeper Lydia Williams stranded.

The hosts in the 17th minute caused Australia a mighty fright after Williams parried the ball into the oncoming Thi Hoa.

Stopper Alanna Kennedy made a stunning saving tackle and block when it appeared certain that Vietnam was about to take a shock lead in the 17th minute.

Three minutes later Nguyen Dung's 17m shot spun over the bar after it took a deflection before Australia bounced back and traded attacks with the hosts.

De Vanna had her overhead kick tipped over the bar from a Heyman lay off in the 23rd minute before Caitlin Foord was booked for what appeared to be a tackle in frustration in the 27th minute.

Kennedy was the next Matilda to watch an effort miss the target when she rose high to nod down a De Vanna corner wide.

Foord then took off on a delightful 40m run delivered a wall pass to Heyman before smacking the ball into the side netting in the 38th minute before she was replaced by Teigen Allen at half time.

Torrential rain during the second half made conditions difficult for Australia as Vietnam adapted better when Nguyen Nguyet fired a shot just wide after Australia was caught short on numbers in defence in the 52nd minute.

Van Egmond was then denied by the brilliant gloves of Nhu in the 58th minute when her 10m volley was parried out of danger.

But as De Vanna was finding room to deliver telling balls inside the box Australia survived another startling moment in the 83rd minute.

Williams got her gloves on what the match official deemed as a pass back in the first half only to allow play on before Nguyet couldn't hit the target from 6m.

But Australia wasn't done when substitute Kate Gill watched her header cannon off the cross bar in the 90th minute before Gorry scored a cracking second goal from Australia.

GROUP A

Match day three

Vietnam 0 Australia 2 (TOG 42m, Katrina Gorry 90m) at Thong Nhat Stadium - Referee: Pannipar Kamnueng - Crowd: 3000.

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