Australia to play Singapore in final Asian Cup tune-up

MELBOURNE, Apr 16 (Reuters) Australia will play a friendly against Singapore on June 30 in their final warm-up match before making their Asian Cup debut.

The match in Singapore will complete the Socceroos's preparations after games against Uruguay in Sydney on June 2 and Argentina in Melbourne on June 6.

The squad will take a two-week break after the matches against their South American opponents before reassembling for training in Singapore on June 21.

''The camp and match in Singapore will give us a good indication of what to expect at the Asian Cup,'' coach Graham Arnold said in a statement.

''Acclimatisation will be a key to success at the tournament, so training and playing in Singapore will get us in good shape for the conditions that we will face for the tournament.

''All three matches are vital. The games in Australia will be the players' last chance to push for selection for the Asian Cup and the tough opponents will give us the hard workout we need.'' Australia open their Asian Cup campaign against Oman in Bangkok on July 8, with Iraq and Thailand their other Group A opponents.

The July 7-29 tournament is co-hosted by Thailand, Vietnam, Malaysia and Indonesia.

Reuters BJR GC1455