The FIFA U-20 World Cup kicked into action at Auckland’s North Harbour Stadium on Saturday May 30th, heralding the most important football tournament ever held in New Zealand.
The opening clash – between host nation New Zealand and the Ukraine which resulted in a draw – was preceded by a colourful opening ceremony giving New Zealand football fans and the world a taste of the excitement to come during the three-week tournament (30 May – 20 June).
Sport and Recreation Minister Jonathan Coleman says North Harbour Stadium is well placed for the start of the FIFA Under-20 World Cup.
“The tournament is a great opportunity for Kiwis to see the next generation of global football superstars.
“With a global TV audience of 170 million, the FIFA U-20 World Cup places New Zealand at the centre stage of world football for the next three weeks,” says Dr Coleman.
Auckland – New Zealand’s largest city – is known for delivering fantastic events and the football festivities were in full swing in the ‘City of Sails’ Fever Pitch hub at Queens Wharf, on the city’s thriving downtown waterfront.
Later in the day, six-time FIFA U-20 World Cup champions Argentina took on Panama in a tense clash in New Zealand’s capital city Wellington. The game took place in an electric atmosphere at Wellington’s waterfront Westpac Stadium – also known as the ‘Cake Tin’ due to its circular shape and home to the Wellington Phoenix, New Zealand’s only professional football team.
Just as Argentina’s clash was getting underway in Wellington, the USA kicked off their campaign against Myanmar in the northern city of Whangarei.
May 30th marked the beginning of the tournament – the second biggest in FIFA’s football calendar – as 24 of the world’s most talented U-20 football teams vie for the crown of FIFA U-20 World Cup winners.
A total of 52 games will be played out in seven host cities around New Zealand, offering Kiwi football fans the chance to see some of the rising stars on the world game on their own doorstep.
In the lead up to the big kick off, each team has been treated to a moving Maori cultural welcome in the host city where they will be based for their group games.
Teams from Hungary, Nigeria, Korea and Brazil – whose displays at previous tournaments have helped produce past greats such as Ronaldinho and current English Premier League stars Philippe Coutinho (Liverpool) and Oscar (Chelsea) – were given their traditional welcomes at New Plymouth’s Owae Marae.
As part of their welcome, each team member was gifted a pounamu (carved New Zealand greenstone) crafted by local jewellers The Rock Shed. Each pounamu, which was presented in a handwoven flax kete basket, was blessed by the event manager Kiterangi Cameron.
In New Zealand the sacred pounamu is a symbol of strength, durability and beauty. Historically used by Maori for tools, weapons and personal ornaments, pounamu also denotes great status.
Three markings on the pounamu given to the players symbolise the importance of physical, spiritual and environmental unity.
Five time FIFA U-20 World Cup Champions Brazil started their campaign in a tantalising clash against Nigeria at New Plymouth’s Stadium Taranaki on 1 June, followed by Korea against Hungary.
“The Government has contributed $5.5 million to the tournament,” says Dr Coleman. “Over 7,000 visitors are expected, including 800 players and support staff and 100 media, benefiting our economy and regional host cities.”
“The four new playing fields built in Whangarei, and upgraded pitches in Hamilton and Christchurch, will also have lasting benefits,” says Dr Coleman.
Whangarei, Auckland, Hamilton, New Plymouth and Wellington in the North Island will host games, while Christchurch and Dunedin will represent the sport-loving South Island. The schedule sees four pool games played in two of the seven host cities daily - with plenty of double-header football action to whet the sporting appetite.
During the three-week tournament (30 May - 20 June 2015) New Zealand will play host to 24 international teams, with a total of 52 matches played.
Broadcast to more than 100 countries, with a global reach of around 170 million people, the FIFA U-20 World Cup will also help promote New Zealand to the world. Thousands of overseas football fans are expected to travel to the country in support of their team.
1. Nicolas Stark of Germany celebrates his goal against Fiji
2. Musa Yahaya #11 of Nigeria celebrates with team mates after he scores his team’s second goal during the FIFA U-20 World Cup New Zealand 2015 Group E match between Nigeria and Brazil
3. Gabriel Boschilia #8 of Brazil celebrates with team mates after he shoots and scores his team’s third goal of the game during the FIFA U-20 World Cup New Zealand 2015 Group E match between Nigeria and Brazil
4. Bence Mervo of Hungary leaps and heads his team’s first goal past goalkeeper, Jo Sol Song of DPR Korea during the FIFA U-20 World Cup New Zealand 2015 Group E match between Korea DPR and Hungary.