Australia will warm up for hosting the Asian Cup with a rematch of the 2011 final when they face reigning champions Japan in a friendly in Osaka on November 18.
Australia lost the 2011 final when the Blue Samurai scored in extra time, and the two nations have waged an intriguing battle for continental supremacy since, drawing 1-1 in two qualifiers for the 2014 World Cup.
“I’m delighted we have been able to secure a match against Japan in November to finalise our preparations for the Asian Cup,” Socceroos coach Ange Postecoglou said in a statement.
“Our aim is to become the best football nation in Asia and Japan is one of nations we will have to overcome to achieve that goal.
“Over the last 12 months we have tested ourselves against some of the world’s best national teams and this game will allow us to challenge ourselves against a quality side, while also taking on another Asian opponent.”
The Socceroos won their first match in 10 months under Postecoglou with a 3-2 friendly victory over Saudi Arabia on Monday after being eliminated from the World Cup with three straight defeats and losing a recent friendly to Belgium 2-0.
Japan is also rebuilding under new coach Javier Aguirre after Alberto Zaccheroni departed in the wake of a disappointing first round exit in Brazil.
In 22 matches stretching back to the 1956 Olympic Games, Japan has won eight matches, the Socceroos claimed seven victories and a further seven have ended in a draw.
Australia host the Asian Cup from January 9-31.
Source: FFA