Australia pledge to play "sexy" at Asian Cup

BANGKOK, July 5 (Reuters) 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 today.

''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.

The Socceroos surprised many by reaching the second round at the 2006 World Cup before losing to eventual champions Italy and say that experience has made them believe they can win in Asia.

''It's a new experience for us going into this tournament as the favourites,'' Emerton said. ''There's a lot of expectation from the Australian public which is first for us.

''But the mood in the camp is good. We have a good relationship with each other.'' Although the Australians are making their first appearance at the Asian Cup, their players are among the best known in Asia because of their involvement with European clubs.

Midfielder Mark Bresciano, who plays for Italian Serie A club Parma, said it was crucual 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.'' He added: ''I think the fans are expecting a lot from the team and I think maybe, we are under pressure. People are expecting us to win. We've got a good team but the conditions don't help us.'' The Asian Cup, being co-hosted by Thailand, Indonesia, Malaysia and Vietnam, begins on Saturday and runs until July 29.

REUTERS PDS ND1628