"1-2:Zidane Prove's to Bangkok why He's one of the Best"



With Ronaldo, Figo and Minambrez' absence, plus Ruben leaving the match at the half hour with an injury, The French midfielder played excellent football. Specially in the second half to get their fourth win in their Asian Tour. Portillo and Morientes were the strikers this time, although the chances came thick and fast during the whole match.

This match was the last chance to see Real Madrid in Asia and fans cluttered the Rajamangala Stadium as well. Carlos Queiroz made seven changes in relation to the match against HK Squad. The coach could not have Luis Figo for this match due to problems in his left soleus. There were many changes in the team, seven players from the Madrid club's school in the field –Casillas, Pav?n, Ra?l Bravo, Rubén, Cambiasso, Guti and Portillo-, the Whites wanted to achieved in Thailand their fourth victory and leave the Asian continent without having lost any match. Celades played as right defender and Cambiasso and Zidane were placed in the midfield.

Javier Garcia Portillo



He had not enjoyed many chances during the match He moved out of the area to help in the play but Portillo did not make his way into the area many times. Until he did. The player from the club's school did not squander a play Morientes had in the area and he put the ball into the net. He scored his second goal in this pre-season (29´). The goal reflected the good football the Whites were offering, but not the fierce drive of the local team. Due to their drive, they almost draw the match at the end of the first half. Casillas, streched out and saved? well from the shot.

Roberto Carlos and César came on after the half-time, which forced Ra?l Bravo to play as center-back since Pav?n was replaced before de second half started. This replacement had immediate effects. Roberto Carlos showed his most offensive features and Guti had much more freedom to make his movements. The Brazilian stroke a missile that was about to find the net. Two minutes later, Portillo did not give him a pass that would have left Roberto Carlos one on one against the keeper and would have been the second goal. The rhythm was much more intense and the public really enjoyed with the triangle formed by Zidane, Guti and Roberto Carlos.

The Match:
1 – THAILAND: Kittisak; Thanongsak, Niweat, Choktawee, Issawa, Therdsak, Tawan, Kiatisuk, Preratat, Dusit and Somjed. Other players who also played: Jetsada, Chukiat, Manit, Damrong, Worawut, Kraikiat, Kosin, Sutee, Anucha and Satid.
2 – REAL MADRID: Casillas (César 45´); Pavón (Roberto Carlos 45´), Rubén (Helguera 63´), Celades (Salgado 65´), Raúl Bravo; Cambiasso (Makelele 65´), Zidane, Beckham (Solari 65´), Guti; Portillo (Raúl 65´) and Morientes.
Goals:
0-1, min.29: Morientes´ foray in the goal area that was capped by Portillo with a flat shot.
1-1, min.65: Bad coordination in the Real Madrid's defense that was taken advantage by Sutee.
1-2, min.68: Guti gave a pass to Morientes who scores in an empty goal.
Referee: Chaiwat Kunsuta (Thailand). He administered caution to Thanongsak.
Other facts: Last friendly match of Real Madrid in Asia. Rajamangala National Stadium in Bangkok. 60.000 spectators watched the match. The Thailand's queen's representative together with Real Madrid´s president watched the match from the royal box. Luis Figo, who was out for injury, was warming up before the encounter. The anthem of the King was played before the match. There were fireworks before the kick-off. Ricky Martin was among the audience watching the encounter.