Qatar registered successive wins over Uzbekistan, Oman and host nation China to finish top of Group A with a maximum nine points from the opening phase of the competition.

However, despite Palestine only finishing as runners-up in Group B with four points to their name, Sanchez is under no illusion as to the size of the task that awaits his team.

“We are happy that we qualified from the group stage but obviously that does not count for the next game,” explained the Spaniard, who guided Qatar to fourth place at the tournament’s 2016 edition in Qatar.

“It really does not matter if you have got nine or six points from the group stage, because it is just one (knockout) game. What matters is now.

“We know that from now on, each game could well be our last.”

A first half flurry of goals laid the foundations for Tuesday’s sensational 5-1 win over Thailand, three valuable points which saw Palestine edge DPR Korea for second spot in Group B thanks to a superior goal difference.

With a last eight meeting to come against Qatar on Friday, Palestine’s progress to the knockout phase marks a significant achievement for a team which is making its debut at the tournament.

“I cannot describe the emotions I am going through," Abuwarda told the-AFC.com.

"This is a proud moment for the players, all the coaches and the (team’s) staff. I am very proud to be a part of the first Palestinian team to make this dream a reality.

“The mood in the squad is absolutely wonderful, and everyone is happy to have reached the quarter-finals for the first time in Palestine’s history.

“We thank God for this opportunity to put a smile on every Palestinian's face and to lift Palestine football up amongst the greats of Asia.”

The irrepressible Ali scored twice against China PR on Monday to take his tournament tally to three, strikes which ultimately helped seal a 2-1 victory that ensured Qatar of a place in the quarter-finals.

With Ali already revealing that he has his sights set on more goals come Friday’s last eight showdown with Palestine, Sanchez is adamant that Qatar’s undeniable unity and tireless work ethic are helping the Al Duhail forward prosper.

“I think Almoez is performing very well in the tournament so far, as are the other players,” explained the Spanish tactician.

“I also think the team spirit that the squad has, and the work that they do together, makes things easier for Almoez.

“He scored two goals (against China) and we are very happy for him. But we always say the same thing, that he is getting these chances because the team is working. But I must admit, he is doing a very good job at the moment.”

The fixtures, dates and venues are as follows (kick-off times are local):

Qatar v Palestine: Changzhou Olympic Sports Center, January 19 at 19.30

Japan v Uzbekistan: Jiangyin Sports Center, January 19 at 16.00

Iraq v Vietnam: Changshu Sports Center, January 20 at 19.30

Korea Republic v Malaysia: Kunshan Sports Center, January 20 at 16.00

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How They Qualified

Qatar: Finished top of Group A with three wins from their three games.
Palestine: Tournament debutants who were second in Group B.
Japan: Were top of Group B with a perfect record thanks to their three victories.
Uzbekistan: Group A’s second-placed team who beat China 1-0 in the group stage.
Iraq: Group C winners with two wins and a draw to their name.
Vietnam: Came second in Group D thanks to a win and a draw.
Korea Republic: Topped Group D with seven points.
Malaysia: The competition’s other debutants. Finished second in Group C.