After Chhetri's emotional plea, coach Constantine says no need to 'beg' people to watch

India booked its place in the final of the four-nation Intercontinental Cup with a 3-0 victory over Kenya at Mumbai on Monday.

The team which saw scant audience in their previous games was overwhelmed to see the packed stadium in their match against Kenya.

The credit goes to Sunil Chhetri's impassioned plea on his Twitter, urging people to come and cheer the team in the ongoing Intercontinental Cup in Mumbai.

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However, coach Stephen Constantine, who is delighted with the figures, felt that the begging was one thing the team did not deserve.

"Look, I have said it before and I don't feel that we should be begging people to come and watch the national team. The response today was unbelievable, what I expect from the Blue Pilgrims and the rest of the people, it's not only the Blue Pilgrims."

"But the national team is playing in the manner, we've been playing for last three and half years, and the things that we have achieved in three and half years, (and) we still feel disappointed to see such a crowd in the last game," he added.

However, he was hopeful that the crowd will be present in the next two games also.

"Today I thank every single one of them and I expect them to be here for the following two games."

The coach further admitted that his side had been found wanting in the first-half.

Thehead coach also had a message for the Indian government with regards to the side’s participation in the Asian Games.

“If the government is listening, send us to the Asian games. We have 11 U-23 players and that is a U-23 tournament,” Constantine quipped.

After the game, the Blue Tigers walked up to the fans and acknowledged their presence, with the captain taking his players for a lap of honour as his proud family savoured the moment from the stands.