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Teerasil at it again as Thailand down Philippines to make AFF Suzuki Cup semis

If his performance three days ago had been a reminder that he can still contribute to Thailand's AFF Suzuki Cup 2020 quest, Teerasil Dangda's match-winning display against Philippines on Tuesday was a follow-up statement that could even be the main man in their title challenge.

In their toughest test yet at the tournament, Thailand faced plenty of resistance against the Azkals but Teerasil's two goals either side of halftime -- the second a clinical penalty with just 12 minutes remaining -- proved to be the difference in a 2-1 triumph.

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Now with a perfect haul of nine points from the three games, the Thais have sealed their place in the semifinals with a game to spare although top spot could still be up for grabs when they conclude the group stage against hosts Singapore on Saturday.

Having equalled the Suzuki Cup's all-time individual scoring record against Myanmar at the weekend, Teerasil's 18th and 19th goals in tournament history saw him claim the outright lead -- and he could yet add more in the remainder of the War Elephants' campaign.

Speaking after the match, Thailand coach Alexandre Polking was understandably effusive in his praise of the veteran striker, saying: "I've said it before that he's the best striker I've seen and coached. He's just proved it again.

"In the first game when he didn't score and I took him out for the young boys who came in and did well, people already started doubting but I wanted to tell them to just wait.

"Look at the quality of the first goal - it was a world-class finish - and then he was cool for the second goal with the penalty. With all his experience, he's very important for us."

Just as he did after a two-goal display in Saturday's 4-0 win over Myanmar, Teerasil was keen to play down the individual accolades but instead was focused on the War Elephants' quest for glory.

"Of course, I'm very happy and honoured to now be the outright all-time top scorer of the competition," he said.

"But more important is that my goals helped us reach the semifinals and I hope I'll be able to push the team even further."