BUENOS AIRES (AP) Sergio Batista will have at least one extra match in charge to prove himself as Argentina's national team coach.

The Argentina Football Association said Friday it will play a friendly against Japan on Oct. 8 in Tokyo. Batista, named interim coach last month to replace Diego Maradona, was in charge for Argentina's 1-0 victory last week over Ireland. He will remain in the post to face World Cup champion Spain on Sept. 7 in Buenos Aires.

The Argentina federation is expected to pick a full-time coach after a selection committee meets in late October. Other candidates include Alejandro Sabella, Carlos Bianchi, Miguel Angel Russo, Claudio Borghi and even Maradona.