Iran,among four middle east team to play in Thailand ahead of Asiad

Kuala Lumpurm, July 12, IRNA - Thailand are taking no chances and have organised a tournament featuring four Middle East teams including Iran ahead of the Asian Games in Busan this September, according Asean Football Federation (AFF) in a statement on Friday. The other three are Bahrain, Oman and Jordan.
Why so many teams from that region for this warm-up tournament? 
AFF said the reason is that Thailand have been drawn together with the United Arab Emirates and Yemen in Group B. The fourth team in the group is Southeast Asian side, Vietnam.The tournament, due to take place from Sept 15-22, will provide 
the perfect tune-up Thailand will need before they open their campaign in the Asian Games. The football tournament in the Asian Games starts on Sept 27.
Thailand, remembered for their sensational victory over South Korea in the 1998 Asian Games in Bangkok, is the leading team from Southeast Asia but they want to extend their domination to an Asian level.Football Association of Thailand general secretary, Worawi Makudi, said the tournament would be good practice for their national team, who were the only team from this region to advance to the second round of the World Cup qualifiers earlier this year.
The Thais also made the cut for the Asian Cup two years ago are the reigning Tiger Cup champions. The Tiger Cup will take place in December where the Thais are expected to be the hot favourites to retain the title.
Thailand will face Yemen in their opening match at the Asian Games on Sept 27. The Thais will play their second game at the same venue, the Masan Stadium, against Vietnam on Sept 29. They will then take on United Arab Emirates at the Busan Stadium on Oct 3.