Belgium to host Japan in November

In their final match of 2013, the Blue Samurai and Red Devils will meet in Brussels providing Belgium win or draw against Croatia in October Belgium will host Japan in a November 19 friendly in Brussels, Goal has learned.

The Blue Samurai were the first side to qualify for the 2014 World Cup and are eager to test themselves against the calibre of country they expect to face next June in Brazil.

Japan coach Alberto Zaccheroni travelled to Europe with his team in 2012, where they played France and Brazil, and is eager to continue that trend by testing the nation against the continent's best international sides.

The Italian's desire for high-profile friendlies on enemy soil is no secret and Japan are already scheduled to travel to Serbia and Belarus in October.

The friendly, which has not been announced officially by either country's football association, was reported by local media on Belgium public television program La Tribune. Belgium are currently top of Group A in Uefa's World Cup qualifying.

Japan are undefeated in three matches against the 10th-ranked Fifa side, including a famous 2-2 draw in their 2002 World Cup opener at Saitama Stadium.