But he admits the entire campaign could rest on the result of the opening game against Serbia on Thursday night.

Defeat - or even a draw - could mean the tournament is effectively over for the Olyroos even before the official Opening Ceremony in Beijing the following night.

"Whoever wins this Thursday will have a great chance of making it through the group. We have to take this opportunity," he told fifa.com.

"Argentina are the group favourites, but the other teams are all capable of beating each other.

"It's true that we've not been able to make the podium as yet, but it's also true that people see us differently since the World Cup in Germany.

"We're hoping to be able to rise to the challenge."

The Sheffield United star believes coach Graham Arnold has prepared the squad well for the conditions they face in Shanghai.

"The lads have been on tour for the last couple of weeks and they've got used to playing in this heat," he said. "My case is a bit different though, because I only joined up with the squad last week. Anyway, we'll have to adapt our game to suit these conditions.

"Being part of an Olympic Games doesn't happen every day and you have to make the most of it. For me, personally, I'd love to attend the swimming events.., though I won't be able to for obvious reasons."

Carney added: "The current team is physically very strong and we'll have to be very focused and play our best football to win.

"We'll have our strongest possible line-up available out on the pitch and that should make a difference.

"My first target is to reach the quarter-finals, and then, from that point on, keep progressing until I have a medal around my neck."