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Socceroos to face South Korea in friendly

3 minute read

The Socceroos will face South Korea in a friendly in their first match since their Asian Cup campaign.

GRAHAM ARNOLD speaks to the media during a press conference announcing the succession plan for long term appointment of head Socceroos coach, at FFA Headquarters in Sydney, Australia.
GRAHAM ARNOLD speaks to the media during a press conference announcing the succession plan for long term appointment of head Socceroos coach, at FFA Headquarters in Sydney, Australia. Picture: Mark Metcalfe/Getty Images

Australia will warm-up for the start of its World Cup qualifying campaign with a friendly against South Korea in Busan on June 7.

The clash with the Taeguk Warriors will be the first match for Graham Arnold's Socceroos since January's ill-fated Asian Cup campaign.

Both Australia and Paulo Bento's South Korea suffered disappointing quarter-final exits at the continental championship, eventually won by Qatar.

June's match will come seven months after both teams met in a pre-Asian Cup friendly in Brisbane, when Massimo Luongo's late strike secured a 1-1 draw for the Socceroos.

The occasion also pits the Socceroos against their opponents for their finest moment on home soil, the 2015 Asian Cup final, won in extra time.

Last year, the two federations agreed a deal for home and away friendlies.

Arnold said the South Korea match would be a key plank to his preparations on the road to Qatar.

"I am itching to get together with our boys in Busan," Arnold said.

"Next month's camp and friendly in Korea will provide a great chance for us to work with a selection of players who we expect to play a part on our road to Qatar over the coming years."

FFA had previously wanted to schedule a second match within the international window, though that has not come to fruition.

Australia's squad for the match will be announced later this month, with the expectation that several senior players will be spared the gruelling post-season trip from Europe.

The Socceroos will begin their qualifying road to the 2022 World Cup later this year.

The draw for the second round of Asian qualifying will be held in July with Australia to play up to six matches across three international windows in September, October and November.

The Socceroos' friendly comes two days before the Matildas begin their World Cup campaign in France with a group stage match against Italy.

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