The top three teams in the China-hosted tournament will qualify for the 2011 Women's World Cup. Making the semi-finals, which requires finishing first or second in group B, is Matildas coach Tom Sermanni's primary target.

Australia will also play host China and South Korea in group B with DPR Korea, Japan, Myanmar and Thailand in group A.

Sydney FC's W-League championship winning coach Alen Stajic says the Matildas may lack defensive experience but the W-League has helped develop some electric attacking talent.

And it's this attacking talent, featuring the likes of fit-again Sarah Walsh, the electric Lisa de Vanna and exciting Sam Kerr which must be exploited, he said.

"We've lost a number of experienced defenders but you look at those strikers and gee we do look good going forward," said Stajic.

"We can do it, but we'll need to rely on our attack rather than defence whereas in the past we've been so solid defending with Di Alagich, Cheryl [Salisbury] and Joey Peters."

Included in the Aussie squad are youngsters Teigen Allen and Sam Kerr who, at 16 and 17 years-old respectively, join Sally Shipard and Ellyse Perry as two of the youngest players ever to appear for the Matildas at a major international competition.

Stajic added: "There's no doubt that the W-League has been a huge help for our national team - now we've got to qualify for the World Cup.

"It's going to be a big challenge but I've every confidence in them."

Australia's clash with Vietnam is live on ABC TV at 5pm (AEST).