Teerasil hat-trick pushes Thais closer to fifth Suzuki Cup

Thailand’s Teerasil Dangda scored a hat-trick as the kingdom launched their bid for a record fifth Suzuki Cup title on Saturday with a 4-2 win over Indonesia.
The Thais were up 2-0 at half following goals from Peerapat Notchaiya and Teerasil, but the Indonesians equalised just before the hour mark with a two-goal flurry from Boas Salossa and Lerby Eliandry.
However striker Teerasil, the first Thai to play in Spain’s Primera Liga, restored Thailand’s lead in the 79th minute, running onto a through ball from Sarach Yooyen.
Teerasil wrapped up the scoring four minutes into injury time after more fine work from Sarach, who charged into the box and crossed for the striker.
The Thais, the last Southeast Asian squad still in the running for the 2018 World Cup, have contested the last two Suzuki Cup finals and are bidding to become the first country to win the Southeast Asian competition five times.
Joint hosts the Philippines later played out a goalless draw against Singapore.
In upcoming action, Malaysia is set to face off against Cambodia, while tournament co-host Myanmar will take on Vietnam in Yangon Sunday.