The matches are part of the three teams' preparations for the AFC Asian Cup UAE 2019 which entered its 50-day countdown on Friday.

Japan 1-1 Venezuela

Oita: Hiroki Sakai scored his first goal for the Samurai Blue but then conceded a penalty which allowed Venezuela a share of the spoils at the Oita Bank Dome.

Still, Japan remain undefeated under head coach Hajime Moriyasu as they continue their buildup to the AFC Asian Cup UAE 2019, where they will be seeking Continental glory for a record-extending fifth time.

More teams than ever – a total of 24 – up from 16 – will compete for not only Continental glory but also a glittering new trophy and a record prize fund of almost US$15 m in this football extravaganza.

This week most of the competing nations - with at least one from each of the AFC’s five Regional Associations – have begun their final preparations with matches across Asia with the holders Australia facing fellow finalists Korea Republic and Lebanon.

Over the years, the AFC Asian Cup has produced some brilliant footballers and coaches. So, we gave fans the opportunity to vote for who they considered as the greatest 11 players in the competition's history.

After 2.6 million votes on the-AFC.com over the past few weeks, it is now time to announce the players who made the final XI alongside six substitutes who narrowly missed out on a starting XI place.

While Asia's biggest teams took their customary place in the glittering draw in Dubai last May, there are several national sides who will be making their debuts in the Finals or returning to the Continental showpiece after having missed out on several editions.

Australia beat the Koreans in the final of the 2015 AFC Asian Cup and Saturday's match in Brisbane will be a test of where each side is at ahead of the 2019 tournament in the United Arab Emirates on January 5-February 1.

"We know the Asian Cup is just around the corner and in my view there are no friendly games - it's all about winning and building up belief and confidence in everything we're practising," Arnold said.

"The energy has been great, the training is high-energy, we've got pace in the team, a lot of creativity, and the freedom of a flexible system to show the boys' qualities."

The expanded competition, which is set to welcome an unprecedented 24 teams – eight more than the 2015 edition – is poised to be the most-expansive, most-inclusive AFC Asian Cup in history, with more teams promising more goals, greater drama and action.

True to the tournament’s slogan of “Bringing Asia Together,” the affordable ticketing structure has been designed to start from just AED 25 (Approx $6.8USD).

This will enable as many people as possible – from the millions of Asians already residing in the UAE to the billions living within a four-hour flight – to come and experience the excitement of world-class, live football.

For the first time, 24 nations will compete for the most prestigious prize in Asian football in what will be the biggest sporting event to be held in the region.

With the action kicking-off on January 5, 2019 when hosts UAE take on Bahrain at Zayed Sports City stadium in Abu Dhabi, the exciting build-up has already seen thousands of fans participate in a wide range of exciting activations, which is spreading enthusiasm for the tournament throughout communities.