In September 2009, Bryan Robson agreed to coach Thailand in his first foray into international football management and was contracted to manage the team through to the 2014 World Cup. In November, Robson celebrated his first competitive match in charge of the team with an away victory against Singapore in a 2011 Asian Cup qualifying group match but then lose to the same opponent back home. Then, two goalless draws with Jordan and Iran in January 2010 and an away defeat to Iran in March all effectively ended the chance of qualifying for the Asian Cup. In preparations for the 2010 AFF Cup, Robson led Thailand to victorious run against Singapore and Bob Houghton's India in a series of friendlies. Entering the tournament in December, he failed to bring Thailand past group A after managing only draws against Laos and Malaysia and losing to Indonesia.