“I am happy to be part of this big event, and important moment,” Jankovic said. “The whole squad is motivated to perform well and … go through to the knockout stage.
“It is a privilege for a sportsperson when he can decide his own destiny. That is the very clear message [to players].”
He added: “For us, it is very simple. We will play 11 v 11 over 90 minutes, and not look around and follow the other scoreline. We are privileged, honoured, excited and motivated to play this game.”
Qatar won their opening two matches, scoring four goals and conceding none, to book their progress as group winners. With a last-16 date on January 29 – possibly against Hong Kong, if Jorn Andersen’s team beat Palestine on Tuesday – head coach Marquez Lopez confirmed he would make changes for what is a dead rubber for his side.
“I cannot impact the line-up of Qatar, or know which players they will use,” Jankovic said.
“Our way of playing will not change. I am focused only on ourselves, how to defend and attack, how to exploit spaces and weaknesses, and how to win the game.
“We are undefeated, although we expected and deserved more from the opening two games. We have prepared to win, and no matter who plays for Qatar, we will do our best to achieve the target.”
Wang Shangyuan, the China midfielder, said he would “treat the game as if it is the last of my career”.
The 30-year-old, who was sent off in a friendly defeat by Hong Kong on New Year’s Day, cited Japan’s loss to Iraq and Jordan drawing with South Korea as reasons for encouragement, with China 21 positions beneath 58th-placed Qatar in the Fifa rankings.
“The distance between the traditionally stronger and relatively weaker teams is becoming smaller,” Wang said. “Those supposedly weaker teams are performing well, which shows how the level of Asian football is progressing.
“Our target remains the same, we have to qualify from the group stage. The scenario is clear, Qatar have qualified, and our destiny is in our hands. We are excited and want to give our best to win the game.”
Spaniard Lopez replaced Carlos Queiroz in charge of Qatar only last month, but his team were proficient in straightforward victories over Lebanon and Tajikistan.
“We have great respect for China, but have to do what is convenient for us,” Lopez said. “We will use the right players, but that does not mean they are less effective players.
“China will put in their best performance, and it will be a strong and difficult game. But we want to finish with full points, and show our best image for the fans watching their team.”
