Japan goalkeeper Yoshikatsu Kawaguchi has warned Australia that the defending Asian Cup champions are "burning" to avenge last year's humiliating World Cup defeat.
"We definitely want Australia again. We are burning for revenge and that would be a very special game for us," Kawaguchi told Kyodo News in an interview released yesterday.
"This might be the Asian Cup but just playing Australia has a special significance all of its own," he said.
Kawaguchi, a 31-year-old veteran of three World Cups, could not stop Australia's three-goal rampage in the final eight minutes of a 3-1 loss in Germany.
Japan were knocked out of the World Cup first round after drawing with Croatia and suffering another defeat to Brazil.
Australia bowed to eventual winners Italy 1-0 in the second round on a controversial penalty decision which led to the only goal.
"The Asian Cup is an important tournament for the team but especially for me personally," Kawaguchi told Kyodo. "In the previous two tournaments I was in really good form and hopefully with the right preparation that will be the case this time around."
Japan could meet Australia in the last eight if they win Group B and the Socceroos finish second in Group A, or vice versa.
Japan play Vietnam, Qatar and United Arab Emirates in the first round while Australia have been drawn against Iraq, Oman and Thailand.
"We are the top team so players on the other teams will be fired up to beat us," Kawaguchi said.
"Last time [in China] we were drawn with difficult opponents in Iran and Oman in the group stage and there won't be any easy games this time either," he said.
Japan begin their bid for a third straight Asian Cup against Qatar in Hanoi on July 9.
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