Zayed Abdulla Alameri had given UAE the lead 13 minutes into the game as Skorza’s side made a rapid start to proceedings, but a resolute Uzbekistan battled back to take the win in emphatic fashion and leave their opponents shattered at the end.

Zayed Abdulla Alameri put the Emiratis in front in the 13th minute but goals from Ilkhomjon Alijanov, Islomjon Kobilov and Oybek Bozorov gave Uzbekistan a 3-1 lead at half time before Jasurbek Yakshiboev and Nurillo Tukhtasinov completed the win in the dying minutes of the match.

After being introduced to the action at half-time, Lee Dong-gyeong stroked home a late free-kick to win the game for the East Asians who had been forced to hold off a late Jordanian rally.

With a last four encounter against Australia now awaiting Korea Republic, Kim declared that he had always intended to turn to his bench as the game progressed.

Having emerged from the group stage with a perfect record, Kim Hak-bum’s rising stars continued their impressive form at the Thammasat Stadium as, despite a late Jordan rally, Lee Dong-gyeong’s last gasp free-kick helped them move to within touching distance of what would be a first-ever Continental title at this level.

The Koreans, who have featured at every Olympic extravaganza since they were hosts in 1988, will now face Australia in an encounter which promises the winners both a place in the final and a berth at Tokyo 2020.

Trailing to Cho Gue-sung’s first-half effort, the Jordanians rallied superbly after the break and drew level with 15 minutes of the game remaining courtesy of substitute Yazan Al Naimat’s neat finish.

However, with extra-time beckoning. Lee Dong-gyeong fired home a free-kick to break Jordanian hearts and seal the win for a distinctly relieved Korea Republic.

Abdullah Al Hamdan’s late penalty took Saudi Arabia into the semi-finals to leave them one win away from securing a place at the Olympic tournament for the first time since 1996, but it was the performance of the rearguard that Al Shehri preferred to highlight.

Regulation time failed to break the deadlock and it took a moment of magic from substitute Al Hassan Toure in the 102nd minute for the Olyroos to claim a 1-0 victory to advance to their first AFC U23 Championship semi-finals.

Arnold, who also manages the Socceroos, acknowledged the difficulty his side faced and revealed he was forced to make several strategic adjustments through the 120 minutes and praised his players for their ability to adapt.