The Koreans cruised to a 4-1 win over Iran while the Uzbeks had to twice come from behind to draw 2-2 and force extra-time. Neither side could score in the additional time and after 120 minutes of hard-fought football the game went to penalties, which the Uzbeks won 3-0.

And Musaev is worried that the marathon quarter-final may have taken its toll on his young charges.

"One of the concerns for me on Wednesday is about the fitness of my players as we are the only side remaining in the semi-final who played 120 minutes on Sunday," he said.

"This will certainly have its effect but we have to face it and our coaching staff are trying their best to prepare the lads physically and mentally."

The Uzbeks are looking to follow in the footsteps of their under 16 side which claimed top honours at the AFC U-16 Championship in Iran back in October with Dilshod Nuraliyev's squad defeating Korea Republic on route to continental glory.

"I have been to Korea several times and I have seen their grassroots football and I am very impressed with their system. I prefer to meet countries like Korea Republic, Australia and Japan at the bigger stages because they play football with discipline," continued Musaev.

"I just saw one of their matches so far in the tournament so I am not in a good position to give my full view of the team but earlier in the competition we played against DPR Korea and since these sides play similar football I am sure we can use our experience of playing the North Koreans on Wednesday.

"To sum up, it's 50-50 for both sides but the pressure is off us having booked our place at the Under 20 World Cup. And when we play without pressure I am confident you will see the best of Uzbekistan."

The similarity in playing style between Uzbekistan and defeated quarter-finalists Iran could help Korea Republic in Wednesday's semi-final according to Korean coach Lee Kwang-jong.

The Koreans, who are looking to extend their AFC U-19 Championship-winning record to 12 with a title triumph in the UAE, cruised to a 4-1 victory over an Iranian side that, prior to their capitulation in Sunday's last-eight meeting at the Emirates Club Stadium, had emerged as one of the tournament favourites.

"There are so many similarities between Iran and Uzbekistan so if we can perform the way we did on Sunday against Iran then I am confident we will get the win in Wednesday's semi-final, Lee told www.the-afc.com.

"Uzbekistan have quality everywhere, Their defence is very compact and they like to hit you on the counter-attack. But after the Iran match we have regained our form back and our confidence is sky high.

Korea Republic finished runner-up in Group B behind Iraq on goal difference and after playing out a goalless draw with the eventual table-toppers their attack struggled to gel in the subsequent group stage wins over Thailand (2-1) and China (1-0).

"Earlier, we were a good offensive side but we were struggling to convert our chances to goals but that changed in the Iran match and I am hoping for the same against Uzbekistan."

With Uzbekistan, in the eyes of Lee, playing in such a similar way to Iran, the question is will the Korean tactician line up with the same side that put Akbar Argi's side to the sword a few days back or will he try something different in the semi-final.

"Because of the nature of the opponents there will be changes but I will decide those only on Wednesday. So far we don't have any major injury concerns," he said.