Brazil confirm Australia friendly

World Cup hosts Brazil will face Australia in a friendly on September 7, the nations confirmed on Thursday.

The game was understood to have already been pencilled in for some time, with FIFA displaying the fixture on their website since July.

The Brazilian Football Confederation (CBF) have now announced that the match will take place as expected, publishing a story on their website confirming Australia will tackle the 2013 Confederations Cup winners at Estadio Mane Garrincha in the capital Brasilia on September 7, Brazil’s national independence day.

The match is likely to prove a stern test for Holger Osieck’s team, with Brazil on a high after dispatching reigning world and European champions Spain 3-0 in the Confederations Cup final on June 30.

The FFA rubber stamped the CBF’s announcement later on Tuesday (AEST), with Osieck saying it was a huge opportunity for his side.

“With less than 12 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,” Osieck said.

“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.”