Coach Kenny Thompson has urged all Bermudians to back the boys in their quest tonight in a match he declared was "not to be missed''.

Thousands have witnessed the first two matches of the tournament which saw Bermuda beat Barbados 3-0 and the Netherlands-Antilles 4-0.

Now for tonight's crunch match, Thompson is hoping even more turn out.

Asked if he was surprised at the level of support at the National Sports Centre he said: "Yes in a way and no. Yes because the numbers have not been there in recent times, in terms of club football matches and even international football matches.

"But in a way I'm not surprised because of the performances last year at this time at the National Stadium. They were not greatly attended but the word got out about these young boys performances and so I think more people took the opportunity not to miss out this time.'' Thompson also praised the Bermuda Football Association, who he said had spent a lot of time marketing the event and getting the word out so more people were aware of what was going on than they had been in the past.

The team's performances this week have had the fans singing and dancing in the aisles and their contribution has not gone unnoticed by Thompson.

"It's been tremendous. Not only have the fans come out in droves but they have shown their support and appreciation for the boys' football in cheering, singing and doing the wave and have made it a totally festival occasion,'' said the coach, who added that the local Jamaican and Bajan population had played their part too.

He went on: "It's been tremendous and we expect that there will probably be more people in the stands on Friday because this is a match not to be missed.''