Australia’s preparations for the 2019 AFC Asian Cup have been given a boost, with the FFA today announcing an international friendly with South Korea has been locked in for November 17 in Brisbane.
With the Asian Cup set to begin in January, the Suncorp Stadium fixture will prove an important tune-up for the Aussie team as they look to impress newly-appointed coach Graham Arnold.
It will be Arnold’s first match in charge on home soil, and the new coach said the match would be a great boost for his side as they prepare to defend their memorable 2015 triumph.
“To have the opportunity to play a team of the calibre of Korea Republic at home six weeks before the start of the AFC Asian Cup is perfect for our preparations,” he said.
“It’s important that we bring as many high-quality matches to Australia as possible so that Australians have the opportunity to watch our top players together.
“Australia has a long football history with Korea Republic, so hopefully we’ll see the sold-out sign go up at Suncorp Stadium for this match,” he added.
The Socceroos fought in two classic matches with South Korea in the 2015 tournament. A 1-0 loss to the Taegeuk Warriors in the group stage was Australia’s only defeat of the tourney, with revenge being exacted in the form of a 2-1 extra time grand final victory.
FFA CEO David Gallop said the grand final victory “was a spectacular event that will long live in the memory of all who watched it.”
“Matches like this are a crucial component of tournament preparation and all players will be looking to impress Graham,” he said.
Australia has enjoyed a spirited and tightly-fought rivalry with South Korea since they first clashed in 1967. Over 28 matches the sides can barely be separated, with Australia holding a narrow 11 wins to ten lead. The nations have drawn an additional seven times.
They have not faced off against one another since the 2015 Asian Cup decider.
While a kick-off time for the match is yet to be locked down, it has been confirmed the match will be available through both Fox Sports and free-to-air TV (via Channel Ten).
Tickets will be available to the general public from 9am (AEST) on Monday, August 27, while Football Family members are able to access a pre-sale that begins at 3pm (AEST) today.
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