VietNamNet Bridge – The door is open for Viet Nam to compete at the 2015 FIFA Women's World Cup finals now that the world football governing body has decided to increase the number of participants from 16 to 24.

This means that the Asia zone will have five berths, two more than previously.

As usual there's little doubt these slots will be taken by the large powerhouses of Japan, China, Australia and South Korea.

North Korea is banned from the contest because five of its players failed doping tests at the World Cup last year.

As a result, the lower-level teams of Thailand, Myanmar, Chinese Taipei, Uzbekistan and Viet Nam will compete for the fifth berth.

Viet Nam and Thailand shape up as the best candidates.

Among the five, Thailand, has the best position – 30th – in world ranking. Viet Nam stands 31st, Uzbekistan 41st, Chinese Taipei 43rd and Myanmar 47th.

At the Southeast Asian women's championships which wrapped up on Sunday Viet Nam took the title after beating Myanmar in the final. Thailand were third.

VietNamNet/VNS