Two defensive errors by Syria gifted Jordan a 2-1 victory in their final Group B game that saw the latter qualify as runners-up to the last eight and clinch a meeting with the Group A winners.

Adnan Hamad's side are still unbeaten in the competition following a creditable opening draw with Japan and a shock victory over Saudi Arabia, a record that deserves respect according to Abramov.

"Before this tournament, we played a friendly against Jordan and we drew 2-2 (in Sharjah). They are a good team, a dangerous team, they can play football but also they are a lucky team," said the Uzbek coach, who has a full-strength squad available for the encounter at Khalifa Stadium.

"We should be wary, they have no chances to score but every time, they score. They maybe get some help from upstairs, I don't know.

"Yes, they've been lucky, but they haven't lost in three games. They came through a strong group, they didn't lose to Japan, Saudi Arabia or Syria.

"This is football. Who decides that the Saudis are better than Jordan? On the field they beat them 1-0 so who is better will be decided on the pitch."

Hamad, meanwhile, feels Jordan are well worth their place in the last eight.

"We hope it continues, luck is very much necessary in football," he said.

"We hope it will continue until the end of the tournament but we can't survive on just luck alone, this is a very strong tournament and our performances have been very good."

The Iraqi faces a selection headache, with captain Hatem Aqel still ruled out with a knee problem, while a hamstring injury brought a premature end to striker Oday Al Saify's tournament.

Midfielder Anas Bani Yaseen is a doubt while defender Basem Fathi is suspended but Hamad has enough faith in his squad to cover the absences.

"We have already established our formation and the replacements are capable of compensating," said the Iraqi.

"The match is very important, we deserved to reach the quarter-finals because we played very well. We face a very strong team in Uzbekistan but we are confident and believe we can win and reach the semi-finals. This is our goal, I'm confident and I trust our players.

"I know that Uzbekistan are strong, have good players, their own style and are disciplined. They were the best in their group but it will be a different situation. We will be focused because the loser will be out of the competition."