New Zealand faces a must-win situation in the second game of the U-20 World Cup when they play the United States in a tournament they are the ones hosting. After a scoreless draw with Ukraine, they will play the leaders of Group A that won their first game 2-1 over Myanmar.
New Zealand knows that if they win this game, they can not only knock U.S.A. out of the top spot but also give Ukraine a chance to step over the Stars and Stripes. New Zealand did not receive a goal in their first game and the United States had to come from behind to win their first game.
The All Whites will also have a home-crowd advantage that is expected to really pressure the best-ranked team in Group A. In the first game, 25,000 people cheered on their team and something similar is expected to happen in Auckland.
New Zealand must learn to capitalize on their chances. During their opening game, they had six shots but only one on goal. They must careful defensively as well. Ukraine had 17 shots but only three were close to finishing in the back of the net. Sam Brotherton is the only player that received a yellow card for the home team.
United States learned that they need to be focused from the first minute. The team managed by Tab Ramos received its first goal of the tournament in the first ten minutes of the game when they failed to clear a corner kick. Myanmar scored its first World Cup goal ever against a team they least expected for that to happen.
Ramos' was not fully pleased with how the team played despite earning their first three points. The team was able to overcome that early scare with two goals from Maki Tall and Emmerson Hindman with one in the first half and the defining one just 11 minutes into the closing period.
Myanmar vs Ukraine
After one game and two more to go in the group stage, everyone in Group A still has a chance to make it to the second round. Myanmar must continue to show they are inspired by the simple fact of being there. The new team failed to hold the U.S. back but can learn for this second game. Ukraine only needs to learn how to finish their chances. They had plenty in the first game that could have given them a different outcome.
Austria vs Panama
At the Wellington Regional Stadium, Panama and Austria will face each other for a second time. Last time they met the game ended 0-0. Panama was able to tie with Argentina 2-2 in the first game and now every team in Group B has only one point. Austria and Ghana also tied but with one goal each in their tournament opener.
Argentina vs Ghana
Argentina knows that they are a team capable of doing more than what they accomplished in the first game. They let Panama live and they don't expect to do the same mistakes against Ghana. The African team is known by their speed, something that La Albiceleste does not really lack. This game could show if any of the teams are serious contenders not only for going into the next round but to win the title.
Match details, result and original broadcast info
This match has ended. Below are the original Live broadcast details for this match.
Live TV coverage and streaming in United States
Live TV coverage and streaming in United States
This match has ended. Below are the original Live broadcast details for this match.
Live TV coverage and streaming in United States
This match has ended. Below are the original Live broadcast details for this match.
Live TV coverage and streaming in United States
This match has ended. Below are the original Live broadcast details for this match.
Live TV coverage and streaming in United States
Follow the game on-the-go
Download our iOS and Android apps to follow soccer on-the-go. It comes packed with features - live scores, fixtures, results, tables, line-ups, stats, TV schedule and much more! Sorry, no live streaming within the app.
