In an article for www.the-afc.com, Tan wrote that Uzbek Irmatov, 32, has set a perfect example for his colleague to follow.

“I have no doubt that Irmatov will do well in the opening match, and make Asia proud,” Tan wrote. “He is a very determined person and if he wants to do perform, he will do so fantastically well.”

Irmatov will be assisted by fellow Asians Rafael Ilyasov (Uzbekistan; Assistant Referee 1), Bakhadyr Kochkarov (Kyrgyzstan; Assistant Referee 2), Subkhiddin Mohd Salleh (Malaysia; Fourth Official) and Mu Yuxin (China; Reserve Assistant Referee) in the Group A encounter between South Africa and Mexico.

“He is mature and highly capable despite his young age. He has an iron will and brave heart to succeed.”

Japan’s Yuichi Nishimura will make it a "double delight" for Asian referees by taking charge of the second match between former champions France and Uruguay, also in Group A.