Dangda scored a hat-trick, giving Thailand a smooth start to the 2016 AFF Cup.

The striker wearing the number 10 jersey shone in a match where the defending champions showcased their strength and defeated Indonesia 4-2.

Indonesia did everything they could, and at times, felt they had the strength to beat Thailand, especially after scoring two goals to equalize 2-2 at the start of the second half. But Kiatisuk's team proved their status as the strongest team in the region by overcoming that difficult period to win 4-2.

Teerasil Dangda, with a hat-trick, was the hero for Thailand in this victory. He shone at crucial moments, putting Thailand ahead 3-2 in the 79th minute, and then extinguishing any hopes of a point for the opposition in injury time. The goals from the number 10 striker redeemed his defensive teammates, who had made mistakes leading to the two goals conceded in the early part of the second half.

Dangda scored five goals in just four days. Before his hat-trick against Indonesia, the striker also scored a brace to help Thailand draw 2-2 with Australia on November 15th. Photo: EPA.

Thailand entered the 2016 AFF Cup with high confidence, having just days earlier drawn 2-2 with Australia in the third round of the 2018 World Cup qualifiers in Asia. The team quickly materialized that confidence with a relentless attacking display and the opening goal in the fourth minute. Right-back Peerapat seized the opportunity after striker Chatthong pressed quickly, putting pressure on an Indonesian defender who made a clumsy clearance. Buoyed by this, Thailand attacked relentlessly and nearly doubled their lead a few minutes later when Teerasil Dangda's close-range shot hit the crossbar from a corner kick.

After that impressive start, Thailand's play slowed down somewhat, allowing Indonesia to regain their balance. Coach Alfred Riedl's team proved very dangerous with their fast-paced attacks down the flanks, especially on the left wing, with the "spearhead" Rizki Pora, and an energetic Boas Salossa up front. In the middle of the first half, Indonesia created a series of dangerous situations, but lacked the sharpness to capitalize on them. Two of these were clear chances: Salossa's save in the 23rd minute, a brilliant save by goalkeeper Kawin, and Lilipaly's shot narrowly missing the post after an assist from Salossa in the 27th minute.

Preoccupied with finding an equalizer, Indonesia became careless in their defense and paid a heavy price in the 36th minute, when Thailand executed a quick and precise combination. "Thai Messi" Chanathip set up Dangda, who tapped the ball in from close range to beat goalkeeper Kurnia, doubling the advantage for the defending champions.

Indonesia was penalized for committing more fouls than Thailand. Photo: Siamsport.

The draw against Australia four days earlier, while boosting Thailand's confidence, also depleted their physical strength. With 10 starting players retained from the 2018 World Cup qualifying match on November 15th, Coach Kiatisuk's players showed clear signs of fatigue towards the end of the first half. Indonesia exploited this weakness by increasing the pace after the break, and were deservedly rewarded.

After Kawin denied him a golden opportunity in the 48th minute, Salossa finally managed to put the ball into the net against Thailand. This happened in the 54th minute, when Pora crossed the ball from the left, just below the touchline, and the captain headed it into the far corner, reducing the deficit to 1-2. Before Thailand could recover, they conceded a second goal. Again from an aerial duel, but this time the ball was crossed from the right wing and finished with a header by Lerby Eliandry.

In both of Thailand's conceded goals, defender Adison Promrak was at fault for not marking aggressively enough, allowing Salossa and Eliandry to head the ball past goalkeeper Kawin. This is likely why coach Kiatisuk prioritized making his first two substitutions for the defense, bringing on Koravit Namviset and then the injured Teerathon in the middle of the second half to regroup the defense.

This adjustment quickly helped Thailand improve their defensive capabilities. Furthermore, substitute Teerathon was involved in the defending champions' 3-2 lead, initiating a combination with Sarach near the penalty area, allowing the number 6 midfielder to cross the ball and set up Dangda for the goal.

Indonesia at one point gave the impression they were capable of beating Thailand, but failed to capitalize on the opportunity after equalizing 2-2. Photo: Siamsport.

The game opened up after Dangda's goal, with many chances created. But while Indonesia struggled to find a way past Kawin's goal for a third time, Thailand succeeded. Dangda once again punished the defensive lapses, being in the right place at the right time to receive Sarach's pass and tap the ball in from close range, sealing a 4-2 victory and a successful opening match for the top team in Southeast Asia.

In the next round of Group A matches on November 22nd, Thailand will face Singapore. Meanwhile, Indonesia faces the risk of elimination if they continue to lose against co-hosts Philippines.

According to VNE