Game on for U-20s

Bill Tuiloma of New Zealand controls the ball during the FIFA U-20 World Cup New Zealand 2015 Group A match between New Zealand and Ukraine. Photo / Martin Hunter

A sell-out crowd of 25,000 are expected to watch the opening match of the Under 20 World Cup between New Zealand and Ukraine at North Harbour Stadium today.

There were only 700 tickets left two hours before kickoff and the walk-up crowd are expected to push the stadium to its capacity.

All White great Ivan Vicelich kicked off the opening ceremony alongside Stan Walker, who impressed the crowd with a song and dance.

Cracker of a day in Auckland to open up the @fifau20 World Cup! All ready for @NZ_Football vs Ukraine! #FIFAU20 pic.twitter.com/w5kDufOUJl

— José Manuel Figueira (@JoseCoaching) May 30, 2015

The atmosphere is quickly building inside the stadium with the Junior All Whites receiving standing ovations as they run from side to side during the warm up.

30 AWAY! l #MensU20s going through warm-up before kickoff at 1pm v Ukraine #U20WC https://t.co/bm4bZzKCdK

— New Zealand Football 🇳🇿 (@NZ_Football) May 30, 2015

It's a beautiful clear day in Auckland with little wind or hint of rain.

This is New Zealand and Ukraine's first showdown in a Fifa competition.

New Zealand are on a four-match losing streak in the FIFA U-20 World Cup and are still looking for their first win in the competition, having mustered just two draws and seven losses from nine games played. The Young All Whites also have a losing record against European sides in this event, with three defeats in as many meetings.

Ukraine return to the U-20 World Cup after a ten-year hiatus. The eastern Europeans' only two victories from eight matches played came in the opening games, 4-2 against Chile in 2001 and 3-1 against Panama in 2005.