Netherlands maintain superb run

Thailand 1-3 Netherlands
Netherlands captain Rafael van der Vaart scored his third goal in two games to help the Oranje defeat Thailand 3-1 in Bangkok on Wednesday.

Early opener
The Hamburger SV midfielder, skipper in the absence of Edwin van der Sar, took just three minutes to add to his two unanswered goals in Saturday's victory against Korea Republic, latching on to a neat through-ball from Wesley Sneijder before burying it inside the far post. The Asian team were overwhelmed throughout and did little to trouble their European visitors, who doubled their advantage in the 41st minute when Johnny Heitinga climbed high above the Thailand defence to head in Sneijder's corner from the left.

Fine effort
The Netherlands continued to press the hosts and struck a third on 55 minutes when Jan Vennegoor of Hesselink picked up another Sneijder pass and lifted it into the top corner from close range. Tawan Sripan registered a consolation for Thailand on 65 minutes with a fine free-kick from 25 metres, although it was the Dutch who were left celebrating after negotiating the 2006/07 international season with an unbeaten record from eleven matches.