Singapore’s Abdul Malik will be in charge of the 3/4th place match between Uzbekistan and Korea Republic at the Al Sadd Stadium on Friday, 28 January. This match also kicks off at 1800 hours.

Irmatov, 33, is one of the best-known names in the world of refereeing, having won the AFC Referee of the Year accolade thrice in a row – 2008, 2009 and 2010. His brilliant performances in the 2010 FIFA World Cup won kudos from all.

Speaking to www.afcasiancup.com in an exclusive interview at the Qatar Sports Club Stadium, Irmatov said he was under no pressure and would be treating the final match as “just another game”.

“I am not getting stressed out. This is nothing special as every match is important to me – final or not,” said Irmatov, who lives in Tashkent.

“I have already officiated three matches here and two of them were very tough – Iran versus Iraq (group match) and the Korea Republic and Iran quarter-final. So I know what to expect.

“The AFC Technical Study Group is also helping us by providing inputs on the key players and that has added an edge to my preparations,” said Irmatov.

“I am analysing my performance after every match and my World Cup experience is helping me.”

AFC Referee Instructor Shamsul Maidin of Singapore, who is a former AFC Referee of the Year himself, said the referees had prepared themselves well.

“They are ready both from the technical and physical angles. They are doing their best and I expect more of the same from them. This is not to put any pressure on them. Everybody has to strive for excellence,” said Maidin.

Commenting on the overall standards of refereeing, Maidin said: “It has been very good. Of course, there have been shortcomings and these have given us some areas to work upon. Our stride towards excellence is continuing and I hope we can achieve it in the last two matches. That will be the perfect icing on the cake!”

Irmatov will be assisted during the final by countrymen Rasulov Abdukhamidullo and Ilyasov Rafael. The fourth official is Subkhiddin Mohd Salleh (Malaysia) and fifth official is Mu Yuxin (China).

Abdul Malik will get assistance in the 3/4th place match from compatriots Goh Gek Pheng Jeffrey and Haja Maidin Bin A P Peer Mohamed. The fourth official is Abdulrahman Mohammed A M Hussain of Qatar while the fifth official is Mohd Sabri Bin Mat Daud (Malaysia).