Coach Aleksey Evstafeev’s side take on Indonesia in the tournament’s curtain raiser at the Pakhtakor stadium, with home support certain to play a role for the Central Asians in their Group A clash.

Uzbekistan cruised through qualifying last year, scoring 10 goals in a run that included a 3-0 rout of runners-up Kuwait.

And Evstafeev expected his side to go far in the finals not least due to the sizeable support that is sure to be on display.

“I think the fans will definitely come to support us and cheer us on,” said Evstafeev.

The coach extended his welcome to the participating teams but even though Uzbekistan has been touted as group winners by many, Evstafeev admitted they would not let their guard down.

He added: “I would like to welcome all the teams to Tashkent, and good luck to you.

“I have every respect for all the teams in this tournament, but it doesn’t mean that we are afraid of someone or something.

“We will try to do our best and we are ready.”

Meanwhile, their opponents have the prospect of facing Tajikistan on Tuesday with Jordan to follow as the final group game.

Indonesia had a fair struggle in qualifying - winning two, and drawing and losing one apiece - but managed to finish second, five points behind Japan.

However, head coach Mundai Karya insisted they would be in no mood to simply roll over for their hosts.

And despite problems over acclimatisation looming large over his side, Karya said: “We know that every team in the group is very strong, including Uzbekistan.

“But with all due respect, we are playing them tomorrow and we will try to beat them, even though the weather is not on our side.”

He added: “I am very happy to be here, and very grateful for all the hospitality in this country, I know the teams that have come are the best 16 in Asia and I hope that we can give our best.”