The Socceroos have announced an international friendly against regional rival Japan in what will be Australia’s final warmup game before hosting next year’s Asian Cup.
Australia will take on Japan in Osaka on November 18, two months out from the Socceroos Asian Cup opener against Kuwait in Melbourne.
After losing to the ‘Blue Samuri’ in the 2011 final of the tournament held in Qatar, coach Ange Postecoglou believes topping Asia, specifically Japan, is the next step in improving Australia’s standing on the world stage.
“I’m delighted we have been able to secure a match against Japan in November to finalise our preparations for the Asian Cup,” Postecoglou said Thursday.
“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.”
Despite claiming their first victory in 10 months in a 3-2 win over Saudi Arabia in London earlier this week following a winless World Cup campaign, Postecoglou believes the Socceroos are on the right track.
“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.
“We have taken steps forward throughout the journey over the last 12 months and this game is a significant step in that process.
“The Asian Cup will be a wonderful football festival in front of our own fans all around Australia and presents everyone involved in Australian football; players, coaches and fans alike, with a unique opportunity as we play for silverware on home soil.”
The two nations have enjoyed a developing rivalry since Australia’s return to the World Cup in 2006, where the Socceroos completed an impressive victory over Japan to emerge from the group stage. More recent encounters have resulted in Socceroo losses at the Asian Cup and in 2014 World Cup qualifiers.
Japan are currently locked in a similar rebuilding phase to Australia under new coach Javier Aguirre after a group stage exit in Brazil.
Photo: Matt King/Getty Images
