Vadim Abramov’s men qualified for the quarter-finals - their third straight last eight entry in this competition after 2004 and 2007 – with some eye-catching football.

The notched up impressive victories over hosts Qatar and Kuwait in their first group games before a draw against China propelled them deeper into the tournament at the top of their group.

In the quarters, they come face to face with a resurgent Jordan, who packed off Syria 2-1 to take their fate in their own hands.

Abramov was seen chatting with a clutch of his star players, including Server Djeparov and Maksim Shatskikh. Rocket-shooter Odil Akhmedov, easily the find of the Uzbek team in this competition, was all ears as the coach spoke about the strengths and weakness of the Jordan team.

The entire squad watched the Jordan-Syria encounter at the Qatar Sports Club on January 17, ostensibly to mark out their targets and identify any weak links Adnan Hamad’s men might betray.

The Uzbeks have two training session lined up for Wednesday – a theory session and a practical session. The theory session, www.afcasiancup.com has learnt, is likely to focus on the team strategy to be deployed against the West Asians.

The coach told www.afcasiancup.com that the Uzbeks are fighting fit and relaxed about the challenge ahead.

“All my boys are fit and ready for the next game,” said the mustachioed Abramov.

Quite unlike Jordan, he might have added, as the West Asians have been hit hard by injuries to several players, including their latest poster boy Oday Al Saify, who has been ruled out for four weeks, and skipper Hatem Aqel.

The quarter-final encounter kicks off at 1925 hours at the Khalifa Stadium on January 21.