Despite making their first appearance in Asia's showpiece tournament for the first time, many expect the Socceroos to be at the very least contesting the final come July 29 in Jakarta.

However, Arnold is keen for his players to demonstrate throughout the tournament that faith in his side is not misplaced.

"I want people to give us the favourites tag because we deserve it," he said.

"It seems they're talking about us being favourites and I want it to be a positive, not a negative.

"I want the players to go out there and really show that we're a very, very good side."

As well as the likes of Japan, South Korea, Saudi Arabia and Iran standing in between the Aussies and Asian Cup glory, another obstacle to overcome will be the severe conditions they will face.

Arnold's men will play all their group games in Thailand as they face Oman, Iraq and the co-hosts, before potential trips to Vietnam and Malaysia for the knockout stages if they make it that far.

With temperatures not expected to drop below 30 degrees, and more importantly humidity rising to as much as 95%, the environment could prove as tough as any opponent they will face.

Arnold knows the importance of his players getting used to the extreme heat, something a two-week training camp in Singapore will prove vital towards achieving.

"The mornings are much hotter than the afternoons, so in the mornings it'll be getting them to get out in the heat even if they are just walking around and kicking the ball around," Arnold added.

"In the afternoon, around match-time, they'll be getting their two-hour training session to acclimatise to those conditions at that time of evening."

Arnold is also hoping to foster an excellent team spirit during the tournament, believing it will prove beneficial to Australia's bid.

"I want the players to enjoy it and have fun and if they're doing that, they're going to enjoy the six weeks," he said.

"It can't become a chore and a task otherwise you'll have problems off the field.

"Six weeks is a long time together and provided we make the final, we're going to need more than one captain.

"We're going to need the leadership group of five or six players to do a lot of work off the field to keep the team together.

"So we're going there to enjoy it, have fun off the field and enjoy the culture of Asia."

Meanwhile, Tim Cahill is hoping to create another piece of history when Australia open their campaign against Oman on July 8.

The Everton midfielder scored Australia's first ever World Cup goal in 2006 during the 3-1 win over Japan.

Having fully recovered from a broken bone in his foot, the 27-year-old now wants to repeat the feat in the Asian Cup

"I'd love to be the first to score in Asia as well," Cahill said

"It's the first time we've gone into a competition going in as favourites so it's a massive compliment.

"It's an opportunity for us to really keep this momentum flowing and to really have a good chance of getting some silverware."