Australia coach happy with 'underdogs' position

The Asian Cup debutants entered their first-ever competition as one of the favorites, but Arnold prefers the minnows role, where the team could fight back.

"We're back in the position where Australians love to be, and that's underdogs. All Australian sportsmen love a dogfight," the Australia coach told reporters on Saturday.

The Socceroos have one point from two games, and they will have to beat leaders Thailand if they can stand any chance of qualifying into the quarter-finals phase.

"We have to throw everything at Thailand and I think we've got a great chance," said Arnold.

"The fact is you've got to win the game, you don't go out straight away and throw everything out the door."

The Australian manager reaffirmed his confidence in the players, despite his initial threat to make a tactical reshuffle and axe some big names after the Iraq loss.

"If there is going to be changes it will be down to fatigue, injuries and maybe getting some fresh legs on the field because it's only a short turnaround."

Australia are regarded as the tournament's highest profile team, including Premiership stars Tim Cahill, Mark Viduka, Harry Kewell, Lucas Neill and Mark Schwarzer.