Syria will renew a rivalry against the Socceroos at the Asian Cup after pushing the green and gold hard over two legs in the World Cup playoffs last year.

Only a 109th minute from Tim Cahill in the second leg in Sydney stopped the Middle Eastern nation from reaching a playoff against Honduras.

Australia and Stange's men will clash in Al Ain on January 15.

The German knows Aussie football well after three years coaching Perth Glory in the NSL.

Stange, who came out of retirement in January to coach Syria, was appointed by Glory in 1998 and led them to the 2000 grand final.

The 70-year-old said he is purely focused on football and not on off-field events in Syria.

"You have to be absolutely focused on your job and don't get involved in any politics," he said.

"Stay away from comments and don't let people write wrong things about your job, speak only about football. If you do that you can do something because the players are very motivated to give their best and I think that's what I've learned."