Confidence is high in both camps after the Asian sides registered some fantastic results in the group stage to impress in their pools.

Uzbekistan defied predictions to defeat USA and Czech Republic and finished on top of Group D.

"This match is very important for us, and could represent another step forward for football in Uzbekistan,” said Uzbekistan coach Aleksey Evstafeev. “We want to continue our strong performance so far here in Mexico.”

Evstafeev promised that his boys would come out with all guns blazing.

“We will play with the same fighting spirit that we have in our other games and we will not be afraid. We know the strengths of the Australian team and we will plan to exploit their weaknesses. Obviously, we hope that we will win and move on.”

All eyes will be on striker Timur Khakimov and captain Abbosbek Makhstaliev, whose never-say-die attitude has taken the wind out of their rivals’ sails so far.

After an inconsistent showing in the group stage, Australia managed to qualify for the knockout rounds at the last minute, after their final game against Denmark was rescheduled due to stormy conditions. Their place in the Round of 16 was assured only after a late equalizer against the Danes who had taken the lead.

“Uzbekistan have had a longer break than us; we only get a day. It will be a very tough, physical contest,” said Australia coach Jan Versleijen. “We already played them in the AFC U-16 Championship and hopefully we can turn our mistakes in that game to our advantage and up our game. Ultimately, though, this contest will come down to who is in better shape.”