Australia pledge to play 'sexy' at Asian Cup

Australia have promised to play "sexy" football at the Asian Cup after being feted as rock-stars on their arrival in Bangkok.

The Socceroos have been swamped by fans and media since landing in Thailand and the upbeat mood has become infectious among the players.

The players say the raucous reception has given them the confidence they need to play the same brand of daring football that won them so many new fans at the 2006 World Cup.

"We'll try and play some sexy football," Brett Emerton told a public reception yesterday.

"It's really exciting to be part of this coming from Australia where it's not the number one sport. We're not used to this."

The Australians have never won a major international football tournament but are relishing their new role as favourites.

Midfielder Mark Bresciano, who plays for Italian Serie A club Parma, said it was crucial for the Socceroos to not get carried away by all the publicity.

"Not all of the time the best teams win, look at Brazil at the World Cup," Bresciano said.

"Everyone thought they'd win but they didn't, so there's always someone who will surprise the other countries. We have to take it one game at a time and try not to think that we're the favourites to win the tournament."

The Asian Cup, being co-hosted by Thailand, Indonesia, Malaysia and Vietnam, begins tomorrow and runs until July 29.