The Reds are one of just four clubs remaining in the Asian competition and they now face a financially backed Bunyodkor/Kuruvchi, who are coached by Brazilian and world football legend Zico, and have a squad of talented players that includes former World and European player of the Year, Rivaldo.

Playing on one of the biggest stages in Asian football and coming up against some of world football’s most decorated names, Adelaide United coach Aurelio Vidmar says his team cannot wait for the challenge.

Vidmar said: “There is no pressure on us, absolutely none. We’ve got nothing to lose and everything to gain.

“It’s a great opportunity and a really exciting time. It has been a fantastic ride so far and hopefully it can continue.”

Led by goalkeeper Eugene Galekovic, United have conceded just three goals throughout the six group stage matches and two quarter-final legs, showing great resilience against the odds.

Bunyodkor will provide yet another major defensive test, and while Vidmar says staying defensively strong will be important tomorrow night, his team will look to be on the front foot against a Bunyodkor/Kuruvchi team that could be fatigued from the long flight.

Vidmar said: “It would be nice to keep a clean sheet but I think we’re good enough to score goals and I think through this whole campaign we’ve been very good defensively so I expect that to continue."

The Reds will be without key central defender Sasa Ognenovski, as he serves a one match suspension after accumulating two yellow cards during the quarter final stage. Either experienced veteran Michael Valkanis or young Daniel Mullen are expected to fill the void across the back, but regardless of who gets the nod, Vidmar has confidence his squad can hold firm.

He said: “I know Sasa has been very good for us but it just gives someone else an opportunity and we’ve got all the confidence in the world that whoever comes in can do a job for us."

Vice-captain Lucas Pantelis is available after a groin injury and will provide United with another valuable option in midfield, and The Reds will also need captain Travis Dodd, striker Paul Agostino and co to be at their best to threaten the Uzbeki club’s defence.

Bunyodkor defeated Iranian side Saipa 7-3 on aggregate to line up a Semi Final berth with The Reds, much of the talk around the club’s signing of Rivaldo. The former Barcelona and Brazilian World Cup star is sure to provide The Reds with headaches, but Vidmar says he will not be paid any extra attention.

He said: “We know how much of a great player he (Rivaldo) is but I think if you start focusing too much on one player, it takes pressure off other players so there certainly won’t be anyone going out there to man mark him.

“Whoever is in the vicinity when he’s got the ball, obviously there’s going to be some pressure on the ball and the man, so that’s the approach we’re going to take.”

Having got past the Korean, Chinese and Japanese champions throughout the competition, Adelaide United have demonstrated again and again that it is capable of competing against Asia’s big clubs despite the contrast in resources, squad size and depth, and Vidmar strongly believes his team can continue to ‘shock Asia’.

He said: “When our team play above their average, and I’m talking about everyone, then we’re always a very good chance of getting a result.

“We just need everyone firing. You don’t need too much motivation for a semi final, it’s a massive game.”