The Central Asians secured their place in the quarter-finals against the odds due to their country’s political situation having made preparations difficult.

Mukanov’s side took second place in Group C as they bounced back from an opening day defeat to eventual group winners Thailand with a win over Vietnam before drawing 4-4 with Korea Republic.

That point ensured they pipped Vietnam to the last eight but face a tough task against a Japan side that have yet to drop a point and have only conceded two goals so far while scoring 16.

And Mukanov is well aware of the tough challenge that awaits his players.

“In the quarter-final we will play Japan, who I think are the best team in the tournament in terms of organisation,” he said.

Mukanov hopes the game will not prove as tense as the one against Korea Republic, however, with that game capable of going either way right to the final whistle.

“The game (against Korea Republic) turned out a very good one for the fans but we could not wait for it to end,” he added.

Japan coach Miguel Rodrigo is also hopeful the game will not will be a close one after his side were frustrated by a resilient Turkmenistan in their final Group D game.

The Japanese had not scored less than five goals in their previous two games but could only manage to the put the ball in the back of Turkmenistan net on one occasion with Takanori Kamisawa scoring the game’s only goal in the 11th minute.

"The audience did not see a beautiful game,” said Rodrigo.

“Futsal is a game of four players against four but Turkmenistan played the nearly entire game with their goalkeeper outfield. Playing four players against five is incredibly difficult.”