The Socceroos have secured their second successive high-profile friendly, announcing a clash with France in October in a boost to their World Cup preparations.
The match will be played at the Parc des Princes in Paris on October 12 and will take place just a month after their clash with Brazil in Brasilia on September 8.
It will be the fourth time the Socceroos meet the 1998 World Cup winners, with each side having previously won one encounter 1-0 and drawn the other 1-1.
Socceroos coach Holger Osieck was pleased to have the opportunity to test his side against the world number 23 Les Bleus with less than a year until the World Cup, which kicks off in Brazil next June.
“We need to play top-quality international opponents as we have to get challenged on this level,” Osieck said.
“This will be another great experience for our team and myself, as it gives me a good indication where we stand right now compared to the top countries in the world and what our focus has to be to raise our standard.”
The game will also be an important hit-out for France just four days before their final World Cup qualifier against Finland.
The timing of the match, however, may place Osieck in a tug-of-war with A-League clubs over player availability as the match will take place on the same day as the season opener.
The likes of Brisbane Roar trio Matt McKay, Ivan Franjic and Jade North, Perth Glory defender Michael Thwaite, Dario Vidosic and Eugene Galekovic of Adelaide United and Melbourne Victory duo Mark Milligan and Archie Thompson could miss the opening round if they retain their places in the full-strength Socceroos squad.
Source: AAP
