The Thailand Men’s National Football Team enjoyed a winning start to their 2016 AFF Suzuki Cup as they earned a hard-fought 4-2 win against the Indonesia Men’s National Football Team.
Peerapat Notchaiya (5′), Teerasil Dangda (36′, 79′ & 90+4′) provided the goals for Thailand today in the Philippine Sports Stadium in Bulacan. On the other hand, Boaz Salossa (53′) and Larby Eliandry (56′) produced the goods for Indonesia.
“The first game for us is always hard,” commented Thai coach Kiatisuk Senamuang. “Indonesia did their best and they want to win this game. When we are in front of them 2-0 and after the break, they come back to the game, we were a little bit lucky to get the third goal and finish the game at last (minute).”
It looked like it was going to be a walk in the park for Thailand as the War Elephants immediately capitalized on a defensive mistake by Indonesia’s Rudolof Basna to draw first blood. Peerapat made no mistake in the 5th minute and he calmly slotted the ball home.
Thailand pushed on for more goals. Teerasil looked to double Thailand’s lead, only for his attempt to hit the crossbar.
Indonesia then finally composed themselves and put a stamp on the game. Garuda captain Salossa tried his luck from distance, but Thailand goalie Kawin Thamsatchanan was on hard to parry the danger away.
Moments later, Indonesian midfielder Stefani Lilipaly unleashed a shot, which was deflected out by a Thailand defender for a corner. The resulting dead ball went to naught, however, as Thailand easily cleared the danger.
Indonesia had momentum, although Thailand themselves were calm in possession. The Thais directed the ball towards the left flank where a War Elephant crossed the ball which was turned in hastily by Thai captain Teerasil in the 36th minute.
It finished Thailand 2-0 Indonesia at the half with the War Elephants looking well on their way to a first win.
Things, though, changed early in the second half. The Indonesians scored two goals within just four minutes, as Salossa and Eliandry hit headers in the 53rd and 56th minutes respectively as they leveled the scores at 2-2.
Goals change games and Indonesia believed that they could pull off a shock win against Thailand. On the other hand, Thailand were stunned. The War Elephants’ two-goal cushion was erased instantaneously, but they still maintained their composure and played their normal game.
It was in the 79th minute that Thailand assumed control of the game with finality. Sarach penetrated the Indonesia defense and laid the ball off to Teerasil, who clinically gave the Thais back the lead at 3-2.
The Indonesians pushed for a goal, but the Thailand defense were rarely unsettled and easily dealt with whatever was thrown at them. Deep into stoppage time, though, Kawin performed a wonderful point-blank save against Salossa to keep the score as it was.
Before the full-time whistle, however, Teerasil completed his hattrick at the 90+4 minute to seal the win for the Thais. In the end, the game finished Thailand 4-2 Indonesia.
Thailand’s next game is against Singapore on November 22, 4:30 PM, at the Philippine Sports Stadium. Indonesia play afterwards at 8:00 PM versus the hosts Philippines in the same venue.
Thailand XI: Kawin (GK), Peerapat, Adison, Sarach, Sirod, Teerasil (C), Prathum, Tanaboon, Chanathip, Tristan, Pokklaw.
Indonesia XI: Meiga (GK), Beny, Lestaluhu, Boas (C), Lilipaly, Lerby, Basna, Rizki Pora, Fachruddin, Bayu Oradana, Andik.
