MUMBAI, June 2 (PTI) India blanked Chinese Taipei 5-0 and chief coach Stephen Constantine said everything clicked for the home team in the Intercontinental Cup opener here.
Skipper Sunil Chhetri scored his third career hat-trick last night as India started their campaign on a rousing note but Constantine cautioned his players not to get carried away with the result as they will play much stronger opponents later in the tournament.
�We have played well in quite a few games in the past three-and-half years. Today (last night) everything clicked and worked for us. The boys gave everything they had,� Constantine told reporters at the post match press conference.
�There were some very encouraging performances from the young players and I am very pleased,� he added.
India will next play Kenya on Monday which will be skipper Chhetri�s 100th international appearance.
�We had a good game but we cannot get carried away. We have much tougher games coming up against much stronger opponents. I am happy with the result and for the players but for me it is past now,� Constantine said.
The coach also praised Chhetri, saying he has the capability to turn the game at any point of time.
�There�s no surprise (on the way Chhetri played) and that is why I play him. He is capable of turning the game at any given time. He is a fantastic player,� Constantine said.
The coach also noted that Anirudh Thapa and Subhasish Bose both were impressive.
�It was Anirudh�s first full start for India, the same for Subhasish Bose and I thought they both had good games, which is why we need with these kinds of games. The kid (Thapa) has great potential and he works hard. Obviously we need that to continue and he could be in the national team for the next 10 years,� Constantine added. � PTI
