U-20 FIFA World Cup: Day one review

Nikola Tzanev (R) Ukraine goalkeeper blocks a shotat goal from Sam Brotherton (L) of New Zealand during the FIFA U-20 World Cup New Zealand. Photo / Getty Images.

What a cracking game we had served up to us to start Group B yesterday.

Tournament favourites Argentina squared off against Panama in Wellington, with both sides contributing plenty in a pulsating 2-2 draw.

One of the great benefits of watching live football is the ability to watch just one player for a period of time.

I picked out the man in the famous number ten shirt for Argentina pretty early on. Following in the footsteps of Diego Maradona and Lionel Messi is another 'M' - Tomas Martinez from River Plate.

Can you imagine the pressure of wearing the number ten shirt for Argentina? I watched this young man with that weight on his shoulders for long periods in the first half.

What a pleasure it was.

Martinez - who bears more than a passing resemblance to Messi - was perpetual motion personified - always moving, always available, never taking more than a couple of touches before shifting the ball on to a team-mate with his wonderful left foot.

(Incidentally, why are all the Argentinean number tens left-footed?)

Martinez constantly found space between the Panama midfield and defensive lines and was still running deep into added time.

What Panama lacked in star quality, they more than made up for with heart. They took it to their more credentialed opponents, twice coming from behind and going within a whisker of stealing a famous victory late on.

At the final whistle, many of the players and coaching staff sunk to their knees to give thanks to a higher power as the excellent crowd did the same for them. They certainly deserved the acclaim.

Earlier in the day, New Zealand gave a good account of themselves in the opening game and ensured they'll almost certainly be in contention for a spot in the knockout stages when they face Myanmar on Friday.

If only Sam Brotherton's late header had been better directed, the Junior All Whites would have made history with a first win at this level and put themselves in the box seat for a place in the Round of 16.

That will have to wait, but on the evidence of Day One, this tournament will deliver both solid home town performances and enthralling contests involving the exciting young teams who have hit our shores.

@pineyzb