The hosts have been fully deserving of their first-ever appearance at the final of the tournament but will no doubt face their toughest test so far against the North Koreans.

Uzbekistan are clearly at their best in attack and are the tournament’s top scorers with 15 goals and Timur Khakimov will be looking to add to his five strikes so far on Sunday and claim the Top scorer award.

They will have their work cut out against a miserly DPR Korea defence that has shipped just three goals in five games but Evstafeev (pictured) firmly believes his players – aided by a vociferous home crowd - have the strength and resolve to overcome their opponents on Sunday.

“It is a great pleasure that we have brought a lot of enjoyment to our supporters at this tournament and it is a great pleasure to play in the final,” he said.

“All my players know this match will be very hard. DPR Korea are very well organised and a very difficult opponent.

“I understand that in the final they play to get the result but I promise that my players will still play beautiful and exciting football.

“They know they are playing for their country and I am sure they will do everything they can to get the trophy.”

Victory tomorrow will undoubtedly prove a career highlight for Evstafeev but he stressed he is not thinking about personal achievements, only success for the team as a whole.

“Of course I am pleased to have been able to take this side to the final as it is my first time in this kind of competition,” he added.

“However I am not thinking about how this will be rated in my own career, only in securing the win for the team.”

Personal glory is also at the back of the mind of inspirational skipper Abbosbek Makhstaliev.

The forward almost single-handedly took Uzbekistan into the final with both goals in the 2-1 semi-final win over Australia but he would happily forsake individual recognition if it meant his country winning the trophy.

“It is not just about individual performance but also that of the team,” he said.

“I will be happy tomorrow for the team if we can get the win.

“I am not thinking about (becoming Most Valuable Player). I would prefer my team to win the game more than becoming MVP of the tournament.”