Japan, Australia drawn together

Reigning Asian champions Japan were paired with arch-rivals Australia in the final round of 2014 World Cup qualifying.

The Socceroos will look to avenge their defeat at the hands of Samurai Blue in the 2011 Asian Cup final, when they lost 1-0 in extra time on Tadanari Lee’s volley strike.

Because of Japan’s scheduled appearance in the 2013 Confederations Cup, the reigning Asian champions were placed in Group B’s fifth slot after Iran was drawn for Group A’s second slot.

Australia’s position was decided only at the very end of the draw, when South Korea was selected for Group A.

Japan will host Oman on June 3 and Jordan on June 8 before facing Australia in Brisbane on June 12, while the Socceroos open their campaign on June 8 at Oman.

Group A: South Korea, Iran, Uzbekistan, Qatar, Lebanon. Group B: Australia, Iraq, Jordan, Oman, Japan.