Barcelona's Lionel Messi (C) reacts during a training session in Yokohama, Japan on Dec 16, 2015. [Photo/Xinhua]

'No reason to be nervous'

Scolari compared Barca's devastating 'MSN' strike-force of Messi, Suarez and Neymar to his 2002 trio Ronaldo, Rivaldo and Ronaldinho.

"It's hard to say which attack was better," said the 67-year-old. "But Barcelona's MSN is absolutely world-class. Clearly we will have our hands full."

Scolari will hope Brazilians Paulinho, scorer of a dramatic late winner to break Mexican hearts, and Robinho, the former Real Madrid striker, can spark against a Barca side who have drawn their last three games.

"I don't need to say anything to my players to give them any extra motivation," insisted Scolari. "They've won the Chinese league, the Asian Champions League and beat Club America in our first game in Japan. That's all the motivation they need."

Evergrande captain Zheng Zhi promised that the Chinese would not be intimidated by their illustrious opponents.

"We have been looking forward to this game," said the veteran midfielder. "We just want to go out and enjoy it, and learn from it. We don't fear them and we have no reason to be nervous.

"We will put our heart and soul into it," he added. "Barcelona are a fantastic side but we will be ready. We want to go out and play to our potential and see what happens."

Argentina's River Plate were playing Japanese champions Sanfrecce Hiroshima in Wednesday's first semi-final in Osaka.