Bangkok: Thailand head coach Milovan Rajevac was pleased with his side’s improved second-half performance as they came back to beat Indonesia 4-2 in their AFF Suzuki Cup clash on Saturday.

The War Elephants made a slow start and the visitors deservedly opened the scoring through Zulfiandi before the hosts hit back to fortuitiously lead 2-1 at half-time with goals from Korrakot Wiriyaudomsiri and Pansa Hemviboon.

But Rajevac felt replacing winger Mongkol Tossakrai with central midfielder Pokklaw Anan at the break contributed to an improved second 45 minutes in which Adisak Kraisorn and Pokklaw added further goals.

“We were a little lucky to come from behind, especially as we managed to score in injury time in the first half,” said Rajevac. “In midfield, there were some problems with controlling the game so I made a change and it was definitely important to take control of the match.

“This substitution had an effect and we definitely changed our game and played better in the second half.

“It was a tough match. Indonesia started the better team and took the lead but I’m happy because my players showed character and they were able to come from behind which really satisfies me. We won three points and that was the most important thing.”

Although he was delighted to have won the second match of Thailand’s Group B campaign, Rajevac was unhappy with the manner in which his side conceded two goals.

“This is something that I’m not satisfied with, especially because we conceded goals after corner kicks, so we definitely have to improve that,” he said. “We have to tighten up a little bit and be able to defend much better in these situations.”

Rajevac praised Indonesia’s first-half efforts and admitted that his side may have been too complacent following the 7-0 thrashing of Timor Leste on Matchday One.

“Indonesia started the match strongly and, unfortunately, we missed two early chances and then conceded a goal,” said Rajevac. “Indonesia were running a lot and they put pressure on our defensive line. They forced our team to make some mistakes.

“We were a little bit too relaxed at the beginning of the match. After winning the first match 7-0, we didn’t begin the match as we wanted or expected, so we definitely had to correct some things during the game.

“We had to become more serious, which we were able to do and, luckily for us, we got a positive result.”