All four teams are preparing for the AFC Asian Cup UAE 2019 and the friendlies gave them valuable insights ahead of the Continental showpiece on January 5-February 1.

Australia 1-1 Korea Republic

Hwang Ui-jo’s 22nd minute strike against the run of play appeared to be the decisive moment in a match Australia dominated from the opening whistle as both teams met in a repeat of the 2015 AFC Asian Cup final.

But Luongo tapped home a repelled save from Korea Republic goalkeeper Kim Seung-yu with the last kick of the game to ensure Australia crowned their first match on home soil in over a year with a dramatic late equaliser.

Just a few months after leaving his boyhood club Kashima to join Bundesliga side Schalke 04, Uchida was called up for the Samurai Blue as coach Alberto Zaccheroni looked to lead Japan to a record fourth continental title.

Milligan, who has been capped 72 times for Australia, was the 56th player to wear the captain’s armband when he led the Socceroos against Korea Republic in Seoul in July 2013. He has since led the side on 11 occasions.

Milligan succeeds Mile Jedinak who announced his retirement from international football in October this year.

Arnold said the Sydney-born defender is a natural choice as one of the senior leaders in the Socceroos squad.

“As we embark on a new era we look to leaders like Mark,” Arnold said. “Mark has been a part of the national team for 12 years now. The experience gained over that period is invaluable to our squad and his leadership on and off the park shines through every day."

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.

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.

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.

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.