The custodian was speaking to www.afcasiancup.com on Sunday at the team’s training session ahead of the Central Asians’ semi-final clash with Australia on Tuesday, January 25. Both teams have reached the last four of this competition for the first time.

“No. We are not practising any penalties. I am confident that we can wrap it up within the allotted time,” said Nesterov, who has so far conceded four goals in four games.

When asked if there was any particular player the Uzbeks needed to be wary of, the Bunyodkor goalkeeper was almost brusque. “They are also humans like us. We are not afraid of anyone.”

Nesterov, 27, stressed that accuracy off set-pieces would hold the key to success against the Socceroos.

“There is no doubt about it. We have to be very accurate (when it comes to set-pieces). And we have to keep ball possession. If we play our normal passing game it should be okay. We should not make silly mistakes.”

Nesterov, one of the veterans of Vadim Abramov’s squad, said morale was high.

“There is a belief that we can win the title. The mood is very good and everybody is looking forward to the match,” said Nesterov.