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Three days after opening their AFF Suzuki Cup 2020 campaign with a 4-2 win over Cambodia, Indonesia produced another strong display in Sunday's Group B action to make it two wins from two after crushing Laos 5-1. The match was evenly poised at halftime with the Laotians pulling one back through Kydavone Souvanny, after Asnawi Mangkualam and Irfan Jaya had fired the Indonesians two up. - Vietnam still the team to beat after crushing Malaysia
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- Don't miss The John Dykes Show, with all new episodes each Friday on Disney+ Hotstar. Click here to join the conversation! But Indonesia turned on the style in the second half to claim a handsome victory courtesy of goals from Witan Sulaeman, Ezra Walian and captain Evan Dimas, and the result would have pleased coach Shin Tae-yong for a variety of reasons. Firstly, the four-goal winning margin was exactly what Shin had demanded from his side especially given how tight the race for the two semifinal berths is shaping up in the group, meaning goal difference could potentially be a determining factor. Furthermore, the fact that the Indonesians managed the win despite five changes to their starting XI also highlighted the depth at Shin's disposal, while England-based centre-back Elkan Baggott was introduced as a substitute and made an immediate impact. "All of our 30 players have been training well and showing good behaviour," said Shin. "I brought in a few new players today because I had no doubt they would perform. We have been able to win the last two matches because each of the 30 did their best when it was their chance to play. "Now I'm looking forward to our next matches." Perhaps the most exciting aspect of Indonesia's opening two victories is the fact that, for all that has been made about the inexperience in the squad, it has instead been the young team's endeavour and fearlessness that has fuelled their displays so far. In addition to a towering display in defence from 19-year-old Baggott, Rachmat Irianto also had another dominant display in defensive midfield until he was replaced, while highly-rated Witan -- currently on the books of Poland's Lechia Gdansk -- came off the bench to score. Despite the perfect start Indonesia have made, arguably their toughest test is up next on Wednesday in the form of defending champions Vietnam, and a lot more will be learnt about them then before they finish off the group stage against bitter rivals Malaysia on Dec. 19. For now, Shin's exciting young charges have done all they can to suggest they could be ones to watch at the tournament.
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