Japan had taken a 26th minute lead in Kaiserslautern through Shunsuke Nakamura, but Tim Cahill scored twice in the last six minutes before John Aloisi grabbed a stoppage time consolation in the Group F opener.

Japan failed to recover from the defeat and after being held to a goalless draw by Croatia suffered a 4-1 defeat by Brazil to finish bottom of the group, while Australia reached the second round before losing in controversial circumstances to eventual winners Italy.

"We definitely want Australia again. We are burning for revenge and that would be a very special game for us," said Kawaguchi. "This might be the Asian Cup but just playing Australia has a special significance all of its own."

Japan have been drawn in Group B alongside co-hosts Vietnam, Qatar and the UAE, while Australia, who are making their maiden appearance at the continental championship after joining the Asian Football Confederation last year, will face Iraq, Oman and Thailand in Group A.

The two-time defending Asian Cup champions could meet Graham Arnold`s Socceroos in the quarter-finals should either side fail to top their group.

The Jubilo Iwata custodian played a major role in helping Japan win the last two Asian Cups in Lebanon in 2000 and China three years ago.

Kawaguchi was voted Man of the Match in the 1-0 win over Saudi Arabia in the 2000 final and saved two penalties in the 2004 quarter-final penalty shootout triumph against Jordan.

"The Asian Cup is an important tournament for the team but especially for me personally. 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," he added.

"We are the top team, so players on the other teams will be fired up to beat us. Qatar in particular look a good team. 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."