Australia confident of strong showing

Australia's first Asian Cup campaign should be deemed a failure if the Socceroos do not at least reach the final, coach Graham Arnold said.

The Socceroos are favourites to win the continental championship next month at their first attempt even though they are ranked below Japan and Iran, two of their main rivals for the title.

The Australians look to have a relatively smooth path to the semi-finals but Arnold said he expected them to go one step further.

"A pass is reaching the semi-finals, but I'll put pressure on myself by saying a failure is not making the final," Arnold told reporters at Sydney airport yesterday before the squad flew out to Singapore for a training camp.

"In the big picture you have to get in the top four in Asia to get into the World Cup in 2010, so it's a good test for us.

"I walk past the trophy cabinet in Football Australia every day and it's empty, so it would be nice to put something in it."

Australia goalkeeper Mark Schwarzer said the players were also confident of doing well but knew it was going to be a tough tournament to win.

"There's a high expectation from everyone concerned, and rightly from ourselves as well," Schwarzer said.

"It's going to be a difficult competition but we've got enough quality to win the tournament."

The Asian Cup will be held in Indonesia, Malaysia, Thailand and Vietnam from July 7-29. Australia are in the same pool as Thailand, Iraq and Oman.

Okon retires

Meanwhile, former Australia captain Paul Okon has announced his retirement from soccer because of injuries, ending a career that included stints in Britain and Europe.

The central defender played with Bruges, Lazio, Middlesbrough, Watford and Leeds United before returning to the Australian A-League last season.