Teerasil hits BRILLIANT hat-trick

Heading into the biennial tournament on the back of a solid display against Australia in last week’s World Cup qualifier, the Thai side survived a major scare, throwing away a two-goal half-time lead before Teerasil Dangda came to his side’s rescue with two late strikes to complete his treble.

Despite winning the regional championship four times, the Kingdom successfully defended the title once in 2002. Judging by their lethargic display in the group opener, the Thais, who dropped to 146 in world rankings, their worst position, looked to have much work to do if they are to repeat the feat this year.

National coach Kiatisak Senamuang opted to employ a three-man defence, the same system they used in last week’s 2-2 draw with Australia to earn their first point of the campaign in the last-12 Asian World Cup qualifying.

The Thais went ahead after only four minutes, thanks to Peerapat Notechaiya’s sweetly-struck drive from just inside the area that whistled into the far corner.

Indonesia were playing their first international tournament after two years in wilderness following Fifa’s ban over infighting within the country’s football association. The defence’s comical error was the reflection of their lack of preparedness.

Teerasil Dangda, who grabbed a brace against the Socceroos, agonisingly squandered a golden opportunity to double his team’s advantage soon afterwards when he hooked Prathum Chutong’s flick-on from a corner against the crossbar right in front of the goal. 

Kiatisak’s side, though, did not have it all their own way as Indonesia improved as the game wore on, with striker and captain Boas Salossa looking a major threat to the Thai backline.

The 30-year-old first drew a fine save from Kawin Thamsatchanan with a deflected shot before setting up team-mate Stefano Lilipaly, whose shot was blocked before going behind.    

The Thai team kept their composure and managed to go further ahead in the 36th minute when Muangthong United hitman Teerasil, who was appointed as the team’s captain for the tournament, atoned for his earlier miss by scrambling home a cutback from club-mate Chanathip Songkrasin. 

Salossa continued to cause the Thai side problems after the break as Kawin use his foot to block his low shot from a tight angle. It came as no surprise when he guided a downward header from Rizky Pora’s left-side cross into the far corner to halve the deficit.

Barely any time to shake off the unexpected blow, the Thais allowed Indonesia to draw level moments later when Lerby Eliandry’s header from a whipped cross from the right looped across hapless Kawin into the net.

Indonesia’s quick-fire double visibly rattled the Thai side, who took time to recover from the setback. The Thais’ nerves were soothed, though, when Teerasil secured his second double in barely a week by dispatching a low effort inside the near post in the 79th minute. The 28-year-old then scored a stoppage time goal to secure his side’s otherwise unimpressive win.