Thailand's preparations for the Asian Cup got off to the best possible start when they beat China 1-0 in a friendly on Wednesday.

Thailand's Suchao Nutnum (L) fights for the ball with China's Cao Yang (C) and Li Tie during their friendly soccer match at Rajamangala stadium in Bangkok May 16, 2007.[Reuters]

The Thais, who will co-host the July 7-29 tournament, sealed victory with a 41st-minute goal from Pipat Tonkanya to register¹ their first win against China in 17 years.

The hosts were on the attack from the start when Sutee Suksomkit's first-minute effort was saved by Chinese keeper Li Leilei.

China, who were missing² several first-choice players, almost went ahead six minutes later when Sheffield United midfielder Li Tie's header was stopped by Thai goalkeeper Kosin Hathairattanakul.

The Thais finally broke the deadlock³ four minutes before the break when Li failed to hold Tawan Sripan's long range effort, allowing Pipat to find the net from close in.

China desperately⁴ searched for an equaliser in the second half, with Jiang Kun going close with a free kick from the edge of the area and Qu Bo's effort blocked by the Thai defence.

Thailand twice came close to making it 2-0 in the final 10 minutes when Jakkrit Bunkham and Suchao Nutnum had long range shots saved by the Chinese keeper.

Thai coach Charnwit Polcheewin said he was happy with the win and added there would be more to come from his side.

"We played better than what we expected before the match," he told reporters. "However, this is not the best team for us as we still have many players to choose from."

Thailand will host the Asian Cup with Indonesia, Malaysia and Vietnam. They will play in Group A with Australia, Iraq and Oman, while China contest Group C with Uzbekistan, Iran and Malaysia

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