THE DAY REPLAYED – The first day of action at the FIFA U-20 World Cup New Zealand 2015 proved to be a day of sharing, with both enjoyment and points being spread about in abundance. Indeed, while the players thrilled the crowds with entertaining, hard-fought games in Auckland, Whangarei and Wellington, the teams themselves struggled to assert dominance, and three of the four matches ended all square.
More than 25,000 spectators had streamed into Auckland's North Harbour Stadium for the big kick-off, and they had come along hoping to see the hosts win their opening encounter. The fans were ultimately denied the joy of a maiden New Zealand win at this level, but the Junior All Whites at least managed to escape unscathed in a 0-0 stalemate with Ukraine.
Further south, USA posted the only win of the day as they saw off Myanmar 2-1, while the spoils were shared in both Group B encounters amid torrential rain in Wellington.
ResultsGroup A
New Zealand-Ukraine 0-0
USA-Myanmar 2-1
Group B
Argentina-Panama 2-2
Ghana-Austria 1-1
Goal of the day
Argentina-Panama 1-1, Rodriguez (20)
The opening goal in this match was a thing of beauty as Angel Correa put Argentina ahead with a snap-shot following a pair of one-twos with Tomas Martinez, but the equaliser was possibly even better. Left alone 25 yards from goal, Panama's Jhamal Rodriguez unleashed a thunderous effort that flashed into the top-right corner beyond goalkeeper Augusto Batalla. An early contender for goal of the tournament.
Memorable momentsNo goals but fans galore: Auckland was awash with supporters as the 2015 U-20 World Cup got under way in front of a record crowd for a FIFA tournament game in New Zealand. With the country hosting its third global tournament, 25,317 spectators packed into the ground hoping to see the home side's first ever win in this competition – or a third victory in three opening games for Ukraine. As it happened, the match ended 0-0.
Crucial captains: It soon became clear why USA coach Tab Ramos and his Argentinian counterpart Leonardo Pipino had named Emerson Hyndman and Angel Correa as their respective captains. The two players were the star performers on the opening day, with Hyndman taking the corner that allowed USA to draw level before scoring the winner himself with a cross-cum-shot. As for Correa, he put in an almost faultless display against Panama and weighed in with a pair of strikes. Elsewhere, Ukraine captain Bohdan Sarnavskyi was similarly impressive, wearing the armband with distinction between the sticks for the European hopefuls.
The stat
13 – The number 13 is widely associated with superstitions, seen by some as bringing good luck and by others as portending ill fortune. For two of the teams in action on Saturday, it was certainly full of significance. USA were the first as they conceded a goal for a 13th consecutive U-20 World Cup game, though, in truth, the effort they allowed Myanmar to score did not bring too much misfortune in its wake. In contrast, Panama's 2-2 draw with Argentina left Los Canaleros on a run of 13 games without a win.
The words"I'd prefer not to tell you what I said to them at half-time," USA coach Tab Ramos, reflecting on his side's opening 45 minutes against Myanmar.
Next matchdaySunday 31 May 2015
Group C (Hamilton)
Qatar-Colombia, 13.00
Portugal-Senegal, 16.00
Group E (Dunedin)
Mexico-Mali, 13.00
Uruguay-Serbia, 16.00
(all times local)
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