Ji Dong-won scored twice and Koo Ja-cheol also found the back of the net as Korea raced into a three-goal lead inside the opening 38 minutes at Al Sadd Stadium.

But Alexander Geynrikh converted a penalty at the second attempt shortly before the interval and then reduced the arrears seven minutes into the second period to spark hopes of an Uzbekistan fight back.

However, they could not conjure the equaliser they needed to send the game into extra time as Korea clinched third place and their ticket to Australia in four years' time.

“If we forget the game against Australia we played okay,” said Abramov.

“It was the first time that Uzbekistan had reached the semi-finals. I said at the start we could win the tournament but we lost 6-0 to Australia, so it is difficult to say how well we've done.”

On the back of the semi-final drubbing by Australia, Abramov did admit he feared the worse when his side went three goals down in the first-half.

“Yes, of course,” he added.

“Their psychology, I don't know why the players made so many mistakes but after our goal and half-time, I told players we have a chance, we have 45 minutes to use all preparation for this tournament and then players in the second-half played much better and we had a chance to draw.

“I think the reason was that we did not have belief in our self in the Australia game. In that game we played well but our defensive line made too many mistakes. We had more possession but it was too easy for Australia to score.”

Abramov also conceded he was unsure as to whether he will still be in charge when Uzbekistan embark on their qualification campaign for the 2014 World Cup later this year.

“I don't know if I'll stay on as boss, it's up to the federation,” he said.

“I believe the players can play much better because January is usually for preparation and their physical condition was not as good.

“Maybe change some players for World Cup qualification but my dream is for Uzbekistan to go to the World Cup and I believe we can do it.”