The hosts gave impressive display in the group stage with a 3-0 defeat of Indonesia and an emphatic 8-1 hammering of Tajikistan either side of a goalless draw with Jordan taking them through to the last eight as Group D winners.

Uzbekistan have understandably had home advantage to bank, but when asked if their status as hosts was a double-edged sword, Evstafeev said: “There is no pressure on us. From the management as well as the fans, there is always support.

“In the coming match, we only expect a win. It’s what our fans and all the people of Uzbekistan want. We have a plan for the next match, and we will try to give a surprise for their team.”

Evstafeev, however, warned against underestimating teams.

“We deeply respect our opponents. We saw their match against Iran. It was a good match,” said the Uzbek coach (pictured).

“We had a look at Syria’s playing style. Tactically, they are very well organised and that I think is Syria’s strength.

For Mohammad Al Jomaa, the quarter-final is akin to a title with qualification for the FIFA U-17 World Cup high on the Syria coach’s agenda.

“The West Asians enter the last eight as runners-up from Group B, with two draws and a win earning them the right to contest a semi-final spot.

“They began their group stage run with a 1-1 draw against DPR Korea followed by a nervy 1-0 win over Oman. A gritty display then saw them eek out a 1-1 draw against former champions Iran, which guaranteed progression to the knockout phase.

But Al Jomaa is confident his team can take the game to the pre-tournament favourites, saying: “We know this is like a final match, just like it is for any of the other teams in this stage of the competition.”

He added: “We know everything about their team and we ourselves are playing well. Tomorrow, we will want to play as we want and not how they want.”

On whether home support would turn the tide of the match against them, Al Jomaa said: “Tomorrow the stadium will be full as the people here like to see good football.

“But I am sure the people will say ‘bravo’ to whoever wins.”