Prolific forward Zabikhillo Urinboev took his tally to five goals in four games when he provided Uzbekistan with two early goals that proved to be a too much of a deficit for Thailand, even though the War Elephants did manage to pull one back just after the break.

A team that includes seven of the Uzbekistan side that won the 2012 AFC U-16 Championship will hope to use that experience and make a second final by beating semi-final opponents DPR Korea. And their progress into the semi-finals also guarantees the White Wolves a spot at the 2015 FIFA U-20 World Cup for a second consecutive appearance.

"It was a very good game for us and an excellent first half, with two quick goals putting us on the front foot," said Khaydarov (pictured).

"Maybe we were tired in the second half but after we conceded we had difficulty converting our chances.

"The Thai team has pace and controls the ball well, Chaowat Veerachat and Atthawit Sukchuai controlled the game in the second half but our defence were able to close them down and cut off any opportunities.

"In the dying minutes I certainly felt under pressure but my boys did their job and closed out the match."

Khaydarov also had praise for match-winner and two goal hero Urinboev, who is the joint top-scorer in the tournament along with Qatar’s Ahmed Al Sadi.

"Urinboev had a great match today and he has great potential for the future," added the coach.