In the 2007 edition, the two sides locked horns in their final group game in Malaysia with the victor guaranteed a place in the quarter-finals.

For 70 minutes the game was a stalemate before Uzbekistan finally got the better of their opponents as three late goals were enough to send the Central Asians through at the expense of China.

Fast forward to 2011 and the two meet with China once again needing a win to remain in contention for a place in the last eight. A draw or a defeat, coupled with a win for Qatar against Kuwait, would see them crash out at the group stage for the second successive AFC Asian Cup.

And Gao revealed that he has no desire to exact revenge for the events of four years ago, only to gain the victory they need at Al Gharafa Stadium.

“There is no revenge at this tournament,” he said.

“If you want to win you need to know Chinese football very well, then you need to know the Uzbekistan team very well.

“Finally you need to know how to win and after this maybe you can get the victory. Talking of revenge will not be any help.

“Me and my players know that the match will be very difficult for us, it will be a big challenge.

“After two matches, we all know the advantages of each team and we will try our best to win.”

Qu Bo is suspended for the encounter and Gao confirmed that he will be replaced by FC Schalke midfielder Hao Junmin, whilst also hinting he could make other changes to his line-up.

“Hao Junmin is better than Qu Bo for this match so we will use him,” he added.

“Our full squad cannot play in the tournament, just 11 players. I have to consider injuries while different players can play in different occasions. When we face a different opponent then I will change some players.”

China skipper Du Wei revealed that he and his team-mates are optimistic of their chances of progressing to the quarter-finals for the first time in seven years.

“I have confidence,” he said.

“For the next match all four teams have the chance to go to the next stage but if we play well and in the style of Chinese football, then we can win.

“We are a young side at such a great tournament and I have the belief that we can handle any problem and be a very good team.”