VIETNAM AND THAILAND ON WINNING TRACK

Playing in what is in effect their first friendly since training began last week, Vietnam scored three goals past a second-string Jamaican side while Thailand scored an emphatic 4-0 win over amateur side Red White Frankfurt to complete their tour of Germany.

While Jamaica – through their new coach Bora Milutinovic were using their tour of the Far East to prepare a squad for the 2010 World Cup – Vietnam were anxious to score a win to make sure that they are on the right path psychologically for the Asian Cup.

Vietnam’s goals were scored by Le Cong Vinh (pic) with an eighth minute curling free kick before Duc Duong added the second in the 66th minute and Anh Duc deep in injury time.

In Group B, Vietnam will be up against United Arab Eirates (UAE), Qatar and Japan and where they will play Bahrain as their final tune-up match on June 30 2007 before playing the Asian Cup.

In the meantime, Thailand’s 4-0 win over Red White Frankfurt failed to give satisfaction to head coach Chanvit Phalajivin, who did not minced his words when he said that he was disappointed with the quality of the opponents.

Thailand was initially supposed to take on the Frankfurt Eintracht Under-21 side.

‘”We played a weak team and it meant we had less thirst to score goals,” said Chanvit.

Nattapong Samana, Suchao Nutnum and two goals from Pipat Tonkanya all made the score sheet as Thailand completed their tour of Germany without a loss following their 2-1 win over Borussia Fulda and then beating amateurs TSV Lennarts 8-1.

Thailand’s final friendly before facing their Group A opponents Iraq, Oman and Australia will be against Qatar in Bangkok this weekend.