ROBSON PLEASE WITH ASIAN GAMES GROUPING

The top two teams from each of the six groups as well as four best third-placed teams qualify for the next round of 16.

The Asiad will be held in Guangzhou, China from 12-27 Nov although the football event will kick off on 7 Nov.

“The grouping is fine for us. The only strong team is Oman,” said Thailand’s chief coach Bryan Robson. “Thailand are stronger than Pakistan and Maldives but we won’t underestimate them.”

ASEAN neighbour Malaysia are in Group A against hosts China, Kyrgyzstan and Japan while Vietnam are in Group B against Iran, Bahrain and Turkmenistan.

Singapore are in Group D against Qatar, Kuwait and India.

In the seven-team women’s event, Thailand face a daunting task as they are in Group B with champions North Korea and runners-up Japan.

Group A features hosts China, South Korea, Vietnam and Jordan.

The top two teams from each group reach the semi-finals. The women’s football competition will be played from 14-23 Nov.

ASIAN GAMES DRAW

Men

Group A: China, Malaysia, Kyrgyzstan, Japan

Group B: Iran, Vietnam, Bahrain, Turkmenistan

Group C: South Korea, Palestine, Jordan, North Korea

Group D: Qatar, Kuwait, India, Singapore

Group E: Uzbekistan, UAE, Hong Kong, Bangladesh

Group F: Thailand, Maldives, Oman, Pakistan

Women

Group A: China, South Korea, Vietnam, Jordan

Group B: North Korea, Japan, Thailand