Mixed picture for Vietnam

26-Sep-2010

Holders Vietnam have started their build-up to the AFF Suzuki Cup with mixed results in the Millennium Cup in Hanoi.

Vietnam, who won the AFF Suzuki Cup for the first time in 2008 with victory over Thailand in the two-legged final, beat Kuwait's under-23 team 3-0 in their opening match before going down 2-0 to the Australian Olympic side.

Goals from Nguyen Viet Thang, captain Nguyen Minh Phuong and substitute Nguyen Trong Hoang were just reward for Vietnam against Kuwait in a game they dominated from the kick-off.

However, Henrique Calisto's men were brought quickly back to earth by the Olyroos who scored twice in the first half through Jason Hoffman and Tahj Minniecon.

Vietnam, who have been drawn to play three-time winners Singapore, Myanmar and the runners-up of the qualifying tournament in Group B of the AFF Suzuki Cup in December, have still to play DPR Korea in the four-team tournament.

Meanwhile, Thailand have arranged a friendly match on October 9 with English Championship club Leicester City as part of their preparations for the AFF Suzuki Cup, according to Thai media.

Thailand, coached by former England captain Bryan Robson, beat India home and away in recent friendly encounters.

Robson is expected to mix experience and youth in the starting line-up at Supachalasai Stadium in Bangkok as he continues to fine-tune his squad for the AFF Suzuki Cup.

Leicester City, currently 22nd in the 24-team Championship, were bought recently by Thai investors.