Westfield Matildas coach Alen Stajcic says the group Australia have been drawn in will provide a stern test for his world number six side.
Australia have been drawn with Japan, Korea Republic and Vietnam in Group B at the Asian Cup 2018 in Jordan.
Speaking from Jordan after the draw ceremony, Stajcic told www.matildas.footballaustralia.com.au he was relishing the challenge and has challenged his side to make the most of every minute in the group stage.
"As everyone can see it's a very tough group. But for us, we embrace that kind of group.
"These are fantastic teams in Korea and Japan and Vietnam are really one of the most promising emerging nations in Asia.
"It's obviously going to be a challenge but we need to be focussed and concentrated right from the first whistle.
"And we need to ensure every moment in a tough group like this is going to matter from the first minute to the last minute of the group to give ourselves the best possible chance of getting through to the semis and the final."
Stajcic added beating rivals Japan at the tournament of nations earlier this year would mean little once the Asian Cup kicks off.
"That was a friendly tournament and everything will be on the line in these matches," he noted.
"For us it's great to test ourselves against the best in Asia and this will be great preparation for the semi finals.
"We'll be match hardened from a group like this for the semi finals and the final."