Teerasil off to dream start in J-League
Sanfrecce Hiroshima manager Jofuku expects much more from Thai match-winner
>> TOKYO: Thailand international Teerasil Dangda made an outstanding start to his J-League career with Sanfrecce Hiroshima yesterday, scoring the winner in a 1-0 victory over Consadole Sapporo.
In a match also featuring countryman Chanathip Songkrasin in the opposing 11, Teerasil netted for the home side in the 28th minute, showing his aerial prowess inside the box to head home teammate Yoshifumi Kashiwa’s cross.
Back in his homeland, the question of which Thai would be the first to score in the J-League had become a big topic of discussion.
Asked how he felt about settling that issue, Teerasil simply said: “I’m relieved.”
The 29-year-old received a standing ovation when he was substituted in the 84th minute at Hiroshima Big Arch, where many fans were waving Thailand’s national flag.
In his post-match interview, the striker, who joined Sanfrecce on loan from Thai League 1 powerhouse SCG Maung Thong United, was full of praise for his new teammates.
“I want to thank Kashiwa and everyone else on the team for working really hard together,” Teerasil said.
“Kashiwa put in a really good cross and I’m happy I was able to score from it.
“I’m glad I could contribute to this victory with my goal.”
Sanfrecce manager Hiroshi Jofuku said he expects more from his Thai import.
“If you think about his potential, there is so much more he can do,” Jofuku said.
Teerasil admitted he had work to do. “Other than the goal, I didn’t do anything good that I could point to,” he said.
The J-League match featuring two of Thailand’s top players attracted significant attention in their home country, including on social media, with Muang Thong, for whom Chanathip is also under contract, promoting it on their official Twitter account.
Signed to Manchester City as a teenager, Teerasil had spent the past nine seasons with Muang Thong, save for a brief loan spell with Spanish side Almeria.
With 42 goals in 91 appearances for his national side, Teerasil has long been considered one of the top forwards in Southeast Asia.
He was reportedly a target of J-League champions Kawasaki Frontale before his move to Hiroshima.
The 24-year-old Chanathip, who made 17 appearances as an attacking midfielder for Consadole the previous season, played 71 minutes of the game against Sanfrecce, taking one shot on goal and setting up another.
Another Muang Thong player, Theerathon Bunmathan is also in the J1 this season, on loan with Vissel Kobe.