Ultimate preparation for Australia
In what, come 2014, will be a useful acclimatiser, the Socceroos have agreed to play Brazil at the Garrincha stadium, Brasilia, just months before the World Cup is due to be hosted in the country.
The Aussies will take the fight to the most successful footballing nation on earth on Saturday 7th September, Coach Holger Osieck believes the trip will act as a benchmark.
Speaking to Football Australia, he said: ” With less than twelve months to go to the World Cup this match is a great opportunity for us to get an impression of the environment we will face.
“Brazil is one of the top teams in the world and a great challenge for us as we prepare ourselves for the World Cup.
“This match will be a valuable learning experience for us both on and off the field.”
Both countries have already guaranteed their place at next summers’ tournament, Brazil qualify automatically as hosts, while Australia cemented their slot with a 1-0 win over Iraq in June.
The home side have only ever lost once to the Aussies in the seven times the two sides have met.
The records since the turn of the Millenium are more even, each side have won a game and lost one,
Australia’s victory coming in the 2001 Confederations Cup, Brazil’s in the group stages of the 2006 World Cup.