Sell-out crowd as Socceroos take on Kuwait for the Asian Cup opener

A huge international audience is expected to tune-in as Australia kicks off its Asian Cup campaign tonight against Kuwait.

And there is also support from home for the Socceroos, with a sell-out crowd of 30,000 fans attending AAMI park.

Over the coming weeks, some 800 million people are expected to tune in from across the globe as Australia takes on the likes of Japan, South Korea, Iran and China to be crowned Asia's best footballing nation.

Despite the fact Australia has never claimed a major trophy, the team goes in as warm favourites against Kuwait.

LIVE SCORES: Follow the Asian Cup tournament goal by goal

Meanwhile, after a rocky relationship, Ange Postecoglou hopes his Socceroos finally feel some love.

On home soil for tonight's match, Postecoglou wants the Socceroos to feel Australian affection.

"I'm looking forward to a bit of love as well," Postecoglou told reporters.

Postecoglou has coached the Socceroos in 12 games, but only two in Australia.

He has deliberately sent his side around the globe in his masterplan for this Asian Cup, the biggest football tournament hosted in Australia.

He knows results - two wins, eight losses and two draws - have some questioning his coaching marriage with the Socceroos.

But Postecoglou insists it has all been short-term pain for Asian Cup gain.