DOHA — Uzbekistan are treading new ground at the Asian Cup and coach Vadim Abramov says their run to the semi-finals has proven to the world they can never be taken lightly.
The Central Asians are ranked a lowly 108 by FIFA, below minnows such as Haiti, Grenada and Antigua and Barbuda, but they have been impressive in Doha, beating hosts Qatar and then Kuwait before drawing with China.
A battling 2-1 win over Jordan in the last eight on Friday evening put them into the semi-finals for the first time in their history, and the soft-spoken Abramov was delighted.
"Now we are a tough team and I think our country is very happy," he said.
"I think people who watched on TV have seen how Uzbekistan can play and they will know that we are a good team that is never easy to beat."
Following a goalless first half, a quick-fire brace from Ulugbek Bakaev earned his side the right to face either Australia or Iraq on Tuesday for a place in the final.
The former CSKA Moscow striker pounced twice in the space of three minutes soon after half-time before Jordan captain Bashar Bani Yaseen pulled one back to set up an exciting finale.
Abramov said he told his team to come out in the second half and attack.
"At half-time I told them that in the first five minutes they must be strong. I told them to attack as soon as they went out and we got two goals," he said.
"It was a tough game because I think some of my players were a bit scared to play, but obviously I'm very happy."
Asked if they could now win the tournament, he replied: "Yes, why not? From the first time I got here I said we have come here to win. It's the same now."
Abramov made five changes to the side that drew 2-2 with China in their last game, including picking Bakaev, who he said would now be famous in Uzbekistan.
"He is a big player with plenty of experience, I know him very well," said Abramov, who has been in the job since replacing popular former national team star Mirdjalal Kasimov in April last year.
"I gave him a chance and he scores two goals. He has made history and everybody now knows his name in Uzbekistan."
In fact, so impressed was the coach by his team's performance that he feels certain players could make the switch to playing in Europe's top leagues.
"In Uzbekistan, there are so many talented players and this tournament I think it can also encourage young players," he said.
"My players can play in other teams in Europe but I also hope the standard of football in Uzbekistan improves."
Next up for the Uzbeks is either defending champions Iraq or heavyweights Australia, and Abramov does not mind which one his team faces.
"Now I wait to see which team gets through to the next round, maybe Iraq, maybe Australia. It doesn't matter who it is," he said.
"We need to rest and then look at what we are lacking and what we can do because so many players are tired already. I'll see what we can do."
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