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Real squeeze past Thailand

August 11, 2003 12:08 IST

Goals from second-string strikers Fernando Morientes and Javier Portillo earned Real Madrid a 2-1 victory over the Thai national team on Sunday in the Spanish champions' last match of their Asian tour.

With Ronaldo and Luis Figo rested and striker Raul only on for a short second-half appearance, Zinedine Zidane and new signing David Beckham were at the heart of Real's best moves.

Portillo slotted the opener after 29 minutes after a winding run by Morientes, while Zidane had a snap shot well saved after expertly collecting a long pass from Beckham.

The England captain moved into the centre of midfield after the break, with Zidane operating on the left as the Spanish champions continued to make the running.

Roberto Carlos blasted a 35-metre free kick just over the bar, Beckham put Portillo through for a low shot saved by the Thai keeper and then set up Morientes, who toe-poked wide from close range.

Thailand then scored against the run of play in the 62nd minute when Sutee Suksomkit side-footed into the corner of the Madrid goal as visiting defenders stood and watched.

But Morientes restored Real's lead in the 68th minute, walking the ball into the net after a Zidane shot was blocked.

Real Madrid captain Raul, who came off the bench near the end in time to miss a couple of chances, told reporters afterwards he was happy with the pre-season tour.

"It has been a very positive tour. No-one was injured and it's good that our fans in Asia can see Real Madrid's football," he said.

"The pace was slower though because we've travelled so much recently and we're pretty tired."

The trip had been littered by public relations gaffes. The team disappointed thousands of fans in Hong Kong by cancelling a training session because of tiredness, only for several players to be spotted later in a night club.

Earlier, Chinese officials were left bewildered when the team left a dinner function after only 20 minutes.

But it ended on a high on Sunday as Beckham, Zidane and Roberto Carlos delighted the Thai fans by joining the 60,000 capacity crowd in holding candles and sparklers in the darkness following the game to mark the Queen of Thailand's birthday on August 12.


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