World Football

BANGKOK, May 25 (Reuters) - Asian Champions Iraq continued their miserable run of form when they were beaten 2-1 by Thailand on Sunday in a warm-up match for next month's 2010 World Cup qualifiers.

Bottom of their qualifying group and with only one win since lifting the Asian Cup last year, Iraq struggled to get past a solid Thai defence, despite fielding a full-strength side which included Nashat Akram and Younis Mahmoud, runners-up for last year's Asian player of the year award.

The hosts took the lead in the 53rd minute when Teerasil Dangda headed down a cross to Teerathep Winothai, who buried the ball into the roof of the net from close range.

Teerathep turned provider six minutes later when his low cross from the left found the unmarked Teerasil, who neatly tucked the ball low into the far corner.

Akram pulled one back for Iraq with two minutes remaining when his inch-perfect free kick sailed into the net.

The victory was Thailand's second in eight days after their select team beat Premier League Manchester City 3-1.

"We beat Iraq, we beat Manchester City. These are very good teams," coach Charnwit Polcheewin told reporters. "They are psychological victories for us."

Iraq, whose government broke FIFA rules last week when it dissolved the country's football federation, are yet to know whether they will be allowed to play their World Cup qualifier with Australia in Brisbane on June 1.

"We are waiting to find out this week," a team official told Reuters. "We still don't know."