Under-20 World Cup a unique opportunity

North Harbour Stadium hosts New Zealand and the Ukraine in the under-20 World Cup opener.

For many young children, Christmas Eve is the most exciting day of the year.

Today - Tournament Eve - has the same feel for me.

The next 22 days stretch out in front of us, full of footballing possibilities.

Some of the best young players on the planet have gathered here to showcase their skills and chase goals and glory.

History tells us - again and again - that this tournament is a breeding ground for the stars of tomorrow.

In a few short years, we'll look back at June 2015 and remember that we saw - up close - players who have gone on to set the footballing world alight.

Who will be the next Lionel Messi, Diego Maradona, Ronaldinho or Xavi, all of who cut their teeth in past incarnations of this tournament?

World Cups at any level also give us the unique opportunity to see styles and tactics from across the globe pitted against each other.

When else - apart from at World Cups - would you see Brazil play Nigeria? Portugal clash with Colombia? Germany take on Fiji?

And right in the middle of it all are our New Zealand boys.

A World Cup - regardless of where it's held - always works better when the hosts do well.

New Zealand would buck a trend if they achieve their stated aim of progressing to the knock-out rounds.

Never before has a men's under-20 team done that. In fact, a win at this level would be a first.

Does Darren Bazeley's class of 2015 have what it takes to do what none of their predecessors have managed?

The draw has been relatively kind to them with Myanmar the obvious target for a maiden victory.

That might not be enough to get out of the group though, making the opening game against Ukraine a particularly crucial one.

Get a result on day one, and the campaign is off to a flier. Lose, and they're chasing things from the outset.

Regardless, the waiting is over.

Get ready for some of the best football you've ever seen, right here in our backyard.