Australia managed to shade Iraq 1-0 after 120 minutes of non-stop action and Abramov was full of admiration for the high quality of football put on display by the two teams.

“I think the extensive international experience of some key Australian players helped them win the match because Iraq are a very strong team,” said the 48-year-old Abramov even as their quarter-final two-goal hero Ulugbek Bakaev nodded in agreement.

“The level of play was of the highest standard but the experience of individual performers was the overall crucial factor.”

The Uzbek coach predicted an ultra-tough semi-final match when they take on the Socceroos at the Khalifa Stadium on January 25.

“I foresee very tough opposition in the semi-final,” said a smiling Abramov.

The coach said striker Alexander Geynrikh and goalkeeper Ignatiy Nesterov were on track to full recovery after picking up minor knocks in the quarter-final win over Jordan on Friday.

On Sunday, the team has scheduled theoretical classes in the morning and a training session in the evening.