The Socceroos are already under pressure after only managing a 1-1 draw with Oman in the first game of Group A on Sunday.

Australia will tackle another Middle East opponent in the shape of Iraq in what is being billed as a must-win game.

"We are only concerned about ourselves," Arnold said.

"We have got to win, we want to win to have the ball in our court and we don't want to have to rely on other results.

"Every game is important, we have still got another game after this one against Thailand and then we are into the knockout stage so it's not just about this game.

"We are positive and we are only thinking about getting a good result tomorrow night."

Despite not being the result they were looking for, the 43-year-old coach has taken the positives from the opening-day draw and is confident Australia are much better prepared as a result.

The Socceroos improved against Oman when they switched to 4-4-2 at half time and Arnold hinted in his pre-match press conference that there may be one or two changes to his starting line-up against Iraq.

Arnold also has the luxury of a fully fit squad to choose from and he expects a greatly improved performance on Friday.

He said: "I think it was great to get the first game out of the way, the players know what they are up against now and they seem a lot more focused.

"That was their second game in six weeks. They came off the back of a four-week holiday and I knew they were going to be under-prepared.

"We didn't press high up the field for that reason, we tried to defend closer to our goal because we felt we would be undone a little bit in the match conditions.

"I expect a better performance against Iraq."

Iraq coach Jorvan Vieira insisted his players are not afraid of anyone as they aim to damage Australia's hopes of progressing beyond the group stage.

The three-time AFC Asian Cup quarter-finalists are also looking for their first victory of the tournament after drawing with Thailand on Saturday.

Vieira admitted he is expecting a different kind of test when they take on Australia.

"Every game has a different feel," he said.

"There can be so many different situations so it is not my business to analyse.

"Australia will probably play very differently. They will play with more care and attention and perhaps take the game more seriously.

"We are not afraid and are ready to play anybody."

If you don't have Fox, follow the Socceroos' fortunes with our minute by minute commentary right
here.