Football: Australia line up Germany friendly

SYDNEY - Australia will face world champions Germany in a friendly at Kaiserslautern as preparation for the Socceroos 2018 World Cup qualifying campaign, officials said Wednesday.

The match will be played on March 25 with Australia coach Ange Postecoglou saying it was an important opportunity for his players to measure themselves against quality opposition.

"Germany are the world champions and have many exceptional players, so it's a privilege for the Socceroos to face the best on their turf," he said.

"They are number one because of what they have built in junior development and elite academies over the past 15 years and there are many lessons we can learn from their approach." The two sides have met four times, with Australia winning one and Germany the other three.