Korea Republic have been based in Leogang, Austria, since June 3 with their squad of 23 players. They will depart for their FIFA World Cup base camp in Saint Petersburg, Russia, later on Tuesday.

Shin said he was satisfied with what his team had worked on in Austria, despite being held 0-0 by Bolivia last Thursday and suffering a 2-0 loss to Senegal on Monday.

Korea Republic focused on tactics during their stint in Austria, which Shin said was crucial.

"Those who look from the outside just say that I'm doing experiments, but it really wasn't the case," he said.

"Come the France game, we're going to be ready... and giving ourselves opportunities to win this game," the Brighton stopper warned."We can't wait for Saturday."

Australia arrived in Kazan on Sunday, and Bert van Marwijk's side - fresh from two morale-boosting wins over the Czech Republic (4-0) and Hungary (2-1) - are on a high.

Juan Antonio Pizzi’s side will make history at the Luzhniki Stadium as they become the first Asian side to feature in the tournament’s curtain raiser before the three-time Asian champions take on Egypt and Uruguay in their remaining Group A games.

Al Jaber, who played in four World Cups for his country from 1994 to 2006, is confident Pizzi’s players are physically prepared having been impressed with the team’s performance in a 2-1 loss at the hands of defending champions Germany on Friday.

The former Manchester City stalwart said Asian football has been progressing rapidly and Asia's five teams - Australia, Islamic Republic of Iran, Korea Republic, Japan and Saudi Arabia - will surely do their best in Russia 2018.

"Their target, besides advancing to the Knockout Stage, will be to show that Asian teams are closing in on European and South American sides," said Sun Jihai in an exclusive interview with the-AFC.com.

Korea Republic, led by head coach Shin Tae-yong, conceded twice in the second half in a match played behind closed doors at Das.Goldberg Stadium in Grodig, Austria. 

This was Korea Republic's last tune-up before they head to their FIFA World Cup base camp in Saint Petersburg, Russia, on Tuesday.

Korea Republic posted one win, one draw and two losses in four matches since Shin announced his provisional roster on May 14.

The Taeguk Warriors started with a 2-0 win over Honduras on May 28, but fell 3-1 to Bosnia and Herzegovina on June 1 at home. 

After cutting three players for the final 23-man squad and arriving at their pre-World Cup training camp in Austria, Korea Republic played to a 0-0 draw with Bolivia on Thursday, followed by Monday's loss to Senegal.

Having been the first team to arrive for Russia 2018, IR Iran underwent a one-hour open session at the Strogino Stadium on Saturday and the presence of the fans has motivated Carlos Queiroz's squad even more as they await their first Group B match against Morocco on June 15.

"I am glad to see the supporters around. It really gives us energy. I am sure our fans' support will be an advantage for us in the World Cup," said midfielder Vahid Amiri.

Team Melli draw strength from their phenomenal fan base with matches in Tehran always drawing capacity crowds.

The pair met in their group concluder at Brazil 2014 with Japan requiring a win against a Colombia side that had already sealed a place in the knockout stage. 

Yoshida and Co battled hard but their hopes were dashed with a 4-1 defeat against uncompromising opponents. Four years on, that disappointment remains an unhappy memory for Yoshida.

"We were in a very difficult position going into the closing group match against Colombia," the 29-year-old Southampton centre-back said ahead of the pair’s upcoming meeting at the Mordovia Arena in Saransk. 

"Our opening loss to Ivory Coast cost us dearly, when we scored early but then we threw away our lead cheaply. 

"So when the Colombia test came, we faced a must-win scenario. We had a hard time (against Colombia) and they taught us a lesson of how tough the World Cup could be."