Park’s young charges have made headlines around the world following a creditable second-place finish in Group D, and then a nail-biting penalty shootout success which saw them beat Iraq in the quarter-finals.

With an appearance in the tournament’s final only 90 minutes away, Park insists that the tournament’s surprise package now have just as much to lose as their more experienced opponents.

“After our opening (group stage) game against Korea Republic, we immediately felt the pressure,” he said.

“We know Qatar are a very strong team and that Tuesday’s match is obviously key to reaching the final. Because of that, the game has equal importance for both teams, and the pressure is as much on us as it Qatar.

“Both myself and my players must be at our very best what is a vital game against a quality side such as Qatar.”

The last eight encounter will be the fifth fixture in a short period for both sides, but despite the strain being put on his squad, Park believes Vietnam are more than up to the task.

“I think that physically we will be fine,” explained the 61-year-old, who hails from Korea Republic.

“They have made a lot of effort, but my players have a terrific spirit and we will use that spirit to overcome any physical issues we may have in the game against Qatar.”

Vietnam defeated the former champions 5-3 penalties after an extraordinary 120 minutes of action ended in a 3-3 draw that saw the lead change three times before Park’s players advanced via the shootout.

The win highlighted the progress being made by the Vietnamese, who saw off Australia in the group phase before defeating a nation that won the first edition of the competition and who went on to finish third – and qualify for the Olympic Games – in 2016.

Playing on home soil, Qatar powered their way through to the last four in 2016, before defeats to Korea Republic and Iraq saw them miss out on a ticket to the Rio de Janeiro ​Olympic Games.

Felix Sanchez’s side are, however, flying high once again in China, and enter the game against their Southeast Asian opponents with four wins to their name following a perfect group stage campaign, and a dramatic 3-2 quarter-final defeat of Palestine.

With only 90 minutes separating Al Annabi from a place in the final, Moein is understandably eager to avoid a repeat of their Doha disappointment.

“At the last AFC U23 Championship we finished fourth, and we are in the semi-finals again,” said the talented 22-year-old midfielder.

“This time we have to do better than we did then, and qualify for the final and hopefully become champions. We are very motivated for this game (against Vietnam), and we hope to keep doing as well as we have already done in the four games we have played so far.”

Khaydarov’s team go into the last four meeting with Kim Bong-gil’s side having demolished Japan in the quarter-finals and the coach is confident his team will be ready for their test along the road to the title.

“We don’t have any problems in the squad,” he said. “All the players are ready for tomorrow’s match. Physically, tactically and mentally we are ready and I hope tomorrow we will show our best football in the game.

“Uzbekistan and Korea have already played four games in this tournament and we have the same condition because after four games some players are tired or have some problems, but our staff are working on it now. We have the same condition at the moment.”