© Reuters 2002

PUSAN, South Korea, Oct 3 (Reuters) - Thailand became the first team to reach the quarter-finals of the Asian Games football tournament with a convincing 3-1 victory over the United Arab Emirates at the Gudeok Main Stadium on Thursday.

Thailand finished top of group B with nine points from three games ahead of the UAE with four points, and next face one of the two best runners-up in the under-23 tournament on Tuesday.

Their final group game was dubbed the "Battle of the Brits" as it matched English coaches Peter Withe of Thailand, the former Aston Villa and England striker, and the UAE's Roy Hodgson, who has managed Switzerland, Inter Milan and Blackburn Rovers.

After winning their first two group matches Withe's poorly funded team needed a point against the wealthy Emirates to make the last eight. Goals by Marut Noyvach, Kiatisuk Senamuang and Narongchai Vachiraban ensured their safe passage.