Football: Fifa U20 final to be live on big screen in downtown Auckland

Brazil's Jorge, left, is congratulated by teammate Jean Carlos after scoring a goal against Senegal during their U20 soccer World Cup semifinal game in Christchurch. Photo / AP.

Football fans who missed out on tickets to this weekend's Fifa Under-20 World Cup final and wooden spoon playoff can now catch the action live on a big screen in downtown Auckland.

The final between Brazil and Serbia, and third and fourth play-off game between Mali and Senegal, will both take place on Saturday at Albany's North Harbour Stadium.

As of last night 354,570 spectators had been to Under-20 World Cup games in New Zealand, with almost 100,000 tickets sold for the Auckland games alone.

But fans who missed out on one of the 25,000 final tickets now have the opportunity to watch the final and third and fourth play-off games live on the big screen at the Fever Pitch fan zone on Queens Wharf.

Spokesman for Ateed (Auckland Tourism, Events and Economic Development) Steve Armitage said the live screening was especially introduced for Saturday so everyone had a chance to enjoy the "climax" of the World Cup in a festive atmosphere.

"Fans in Auckland have really embraced this tournament and we want to give the community an opportunity to get together and enjoy the grand finale of this truly global event. The football has been spectacular so far. It's all been building up to Saturday's big match in Auckland."

Fever Pitch will open from 10am on Saturday with live coverage of the match for third place at 1.30pm, followed by the final at 5pm.

There will also be food stalls, entertainment and spot prizes throughout the day as well as interactive football skill stations, face painting and digital displays, and a mini outdoor football pitch.