Australia to face Brazil in Melbourne friendly

  • Australia to use match as build-up for Confederations Cup
  • Brazil face Argentina at MCG four days earlier

MELBOURNE: Five times World Cup winners Brazil will play Australia in a friendly at the Melbourne Cricket Ground on June 13, giving the Socceroos the toughest of warm-ups for the Confederations Cup later that month.

Ange Postecoglou's Australia face Saudi Arabia in a World Cup qualifier in Adelaide on June 8 and the coach had been seeking an additional match before they head to the Confederations Cup in Russia.

Victorian Minister for Tourism and Major Events John Eren said Australian football fans would relish the match against Brazil, who play Argentina in a friendly at the same venue four days earlier.

"It's the clash every Australian football fan wanted, and we've got it," Eren said in a statement.

"This game will pit our boys against the world's best, and give our fans the chance to cheer on their beloved Socceroos as they prepare for their quest for Confederation Cup glory."

Asian champions Australia have been drawn in Group B at the eight-team Confederations Cup and face world champions Germany in their first match on June 19 in Sochi.

South American winners Chile and African champions Cameroon are also in the group for the tournament, which serves as a test event for next year's World Cup in Russia.

Brazil are currently second in the FIFA world rankings, 52 places above Australia.

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