We are back with football, as China traveled to Bangkok for a friendly against Thailand. Although coach Marcello Lippi is working more young talents into the PRC's line-up, the team's veterans still have key roles to fill and striker Wu Lei continues to spark the offense, while this game would mark captain Zheng Zhi's 100th appearance with the squad, the fourth Chinese to reach that milestone.

The visitors catch a lucky break in the fifth minute, as Yu Hai takes down Mongkol Tossakrai, but the referee chooses not to call a penalty.

In the 26th minute, Wu fires a shot from the edge of the box, but the ball sails wide. Two minutes later, Yu takes down Mongkol in the penalty area for a second time, and once again no infraction is assessed, despite the War Elephants very vocal appeals to the official.  

In the 34th minute, Xiao Zhi sends in a shot that the Thai goalkeeper deflects, but Wu taps the ball in after outracing Pansa Hembivoon, and it's 1-0 China.  The rain soon gets heavier, and the game is delayed for 30 minutes.  Chanathip Songkrasin is later tripped by Zhang Chengdong in the area, in the 67th minute, but once again, no call.

Seven minutes later, Yu's long pass down the right flank is gathered by Wu, who takes his time sizing up Thailand's defense on the wet pitch, before cutting in and firing the ball over Kawin's left shoulder. The Shanghai SIPG forward's first two-goal game for China makes it 2-0, as the PRC win their first away friendly in eight years. Of course, they've had many road victories in tournaments during that time, as captain Zheng knows well.

ZHENG ZHI CHINA CAPTAIN "I am very honored to be able to represent China 100 times. I want to thank my country, and the national team, for giving me all these opportunities, and of course my teammates, because their support is what led me here at this time. And most importantly I want to thank my family, my wife and children, for always being there for me all these years. I love you. Thank you."