NAVI MUMBAI: Chinese Taipei defeated Thailand 3-0 in the FIFA Women's World Cup Australia/New Zealand playoff at the D.Y. Patil Stadium.

The three points mean Chinese Taipei's tie against Vietnam on Sunday will be a tussle for the only automatic qualifying spot to Australia/New Zealand 2023.

Thailand's FIFA Women's World Cup ambitions now hinge on their ability to advance through the Inter-Confederation playoffs.

With Vietnam having won the first tie of the round-robin playoffs on Wednesday, both teams had no room for error.

Thailand needed a win to keep their playoff hopes alive after being defeated 2-0 in the opening match, while Chinese Taipei needed a win to play Vietnam in a more comfortable position on Sunday.

Thailand were the early aggressors, although missing numerous players owing to a COVID-19 outbreak in their squad, with Chinese Taipei's Tsai Ming-Jung the busier of the two goalkeepers in the opening minutes.

Thailand were awarded a free-kick right outside the box in the 14th minute, and Tsai easily dealt with Wilaiporn Boothduang's shot.

After weathering the early storm, Chinese Taipei began to see more of the ball, but it took until the last seconds of the first half to break the deadlock, with Su Yu-Hsuan neatly collecting Wu Kai-Ching's through pass before shooting beyond Thailand goalkeeper Chotmanee Thongmongkol.

Thailand continued on the front foot when play resumed, undaunted by having conceded late in the first half, and was incredibly unlucky in the 49th minute when Wilaiporn Boothduang's right-footed drive from the centre of the box was blocked by the left post.

Thailand's quest for an equalizer intensified when Irravadee Makris saw her shot from just outside the box fly wide.

Thailand continued to control the tempo, but Chinese Taipei stayed firm before increasing their lead in the 84th minute, with Su scoring her second with a quick turn and shot after receiving Wu Kai-Ching's pass.

There would be a third, with Chen Ying-30-yard Hui's free-kick finding the back of the net as Chinese Taipei turned their attention to Vietnam.

Edited - SportsAction / Inputs - Agency