The Socceroos will round out preparations for the 2015 AFC Asian Cup with a rematch of the 2011 Final when they face defending Asian Cup Champions Japan in an international friendly in Osaka on 18 November.
The match presents Socceroos head coach Ange Postecoglou and his squad with the ideal opportunity to gauge their progress against one of Asia’s powerhouse nations before the Asian Cup unfolds on Australian shores in January 2015.
“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.
“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.
“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 match sets up the latest chapter in what is fast becoming one of Australia’s greatest sporting rivalries, following the 2006 FIFA World Cup clash, the 2011 Asian Cup Final and the epic 2014 FIFA World Cup Qualifiers in Saitama and Brisbane, which both ended in 1-1 draws.
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.
MATCH DETAILS
Japan v Australia
Tuesday 18 November 2014
Yanmar Stadium Nagai, Osaka
Kick off time TBC
The match will be broadcast LIVE and exclusive on FOX SPORTS.
Tickets to the Socceroos matches and other 2015 AFC Asian Cup games are on sale at www.afcasiancup.com/tickets.
The Socceroos kick off their AFC Asian Cup campaign against Kuwait at AAMI Park, Melbourne on 9 January 2015 while Japan’s first group stage match is against Palestine on 12 January at Newcastle Stadium.
AUSTRALIA v JAPAN (historical records)
Overall record: 22. W7–D7–L8
|
Date |
Match type |
City, Country |
Result |
Score |
|
27-11-56 |
Olympic Games |
Melbourne, Australia |
W |
2–0 |
|
30-03-68 |
Friendly |
Sydney, Australia |
D |
2–2 |
|
31-03-68 |
Friendly |
Melbourne, Australia |
W |
3–1 |
|
04-04-68 |
Friendly |
Adelaide, Australia |
L |
1–3 |
|
10-10-69 |
FIFA World Cup Qualifier |
Seoul, Korea Republic |
W |
3–1 |
|
16-10-69 |
FIFA World Cup Qualifier |
Seoul, Korea Republic |
D |
1–1 |
|
22-05-94 |
Kirin Cup |
Hiroshima, Japan |
D |
1–1 |
|
29-09-94 |
Friendly |
Tokyo, Japan |
D |
0–0 |
|
15-02-95 |
Friendly |
Sydney, Australia |
W |
2–1 |
|
10-02-96 |
Friendly |
Wollongong, Australia |
L |
1–4 |
|
14-02-96 |
Friendly |
Melbourne, Australia |
W |
3–0 |
|
15-02-98 |
Optus World Series |
Adelaide, Australia |
L |
0–3 |
|
07-06-01 |
FIFA Confederations Cup |
Yokohama, Japan |
L |
0–1 |
|
15-08-01 |
AFC/OFC Cup |
Shizuoka, Japan |
L |
0–3 |
|
12-06-06 |
FIFA World Cup |
Kaiserslautern, Germany |
W |
3–1 |
|
21-07-07 |
AFC Asian Cup |
Hanoi, Vietnam |
L |
1–1 aet (3p-4p) PSO |
|
11-02-09 |
FIFA World Cup Qualifier |
Yokohama, Japan |
D |
0–0 |
|
17-06-09 |
FIFA World Cup Qualifier |
Melbourne, Australia |
W |
2–1 |
|
29-01-11 |
AFC Asian Cup |
Doha, Qatar |
L |
0–1 |
|
12-06-12 |
FIFA World Cup Qualifier |
Brisbane, Australia |
D |
1–1 |
|
04-06-13 |
FIFA World Cup Qualifier |
Saitama, Japan |
D |
1–1 |
|
25-07-13 |
EAFF East Asian Cup |
Hwaseong, Korea Republic |
L |
2–3 |