Young excellence, promotion battles, and a happy farewell: The Australian team of the week from players around the globe
Even though St.Pauli ultimately lost a high-scoring affair, Jackson Irvine was a standout, as well as scoring a late goal.
The Socceroos will face Japan in November in their final hit-out before next year’s Asian Cup.
In what will be a rematch of the 2011 Asian Cup final, the November 18 friendly against the defending Asian champions in Osaka will provide the Socceroos with the ideal test as they finalise preparations for the 2015 edition on home soil.
Coach Ange Postecoglou said the match will give him a perfect gauge of where the side is at before launching their Asian Cup campaign in January.
“I’m delighted we have been able to secure a match against Japan,” 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.”
At world No.44, Japan are the top-ranked team in Asia sitting 35 places higher than Australia.
The match sets up the latest chapter in what has become a fierce rivalry, following their 2006 World Cup clash, the 2011 Asian Cup final and the epic 2014 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.
The Socceroos next take on the United Arab Emirates in Abu Dabi on October 10 before facing Qatar in Doha four days later.
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Even though St.Pauli ultimately lost a high-scoring affair, Jackson Irvine was a standout, as well as scoring a late goal.
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