USA 2
Myanmar 1
It was a win for USA and a win for Whangarei as fans warmly embraced the region's inaugural Group A Fifa Under-20 World Cup match between Myanmar and USA this afternoon.
With this morning's dreary weather dissipating, spectators came out in droves to catch a rare glimpse of the football world's elite junior players running about on Northland soil.
A packed Northland Events Centre was a fitting venue for the international act, and the players didn't disappoint.
On the match front it was a narrow ordeal right from the start.
An even first half saw the scores level at 1-1 upon the break.
Myanmar struck first blood with a nifty shot from Yan Yaing Oo nine minutes into the match.
However, USA's rebuttal eventually came in the form of a crafty goal in the 17th minute off the boot of Maki Tall.
USA strode out to a 2-1 lead shortly after halftime through a goal via their captain Emerson Hyndman.
Nonethless, Myanmar were positive, disciplined and never let go of trying to topple their American rivals.
Aided by the hearty chants of "Myanmar, Myanmar" which circulated the stadium, the underdog side put on a nifty and spirited display of football for the 5816 strong crowd.
Just shy of the 70 minute mark, the rain which so diligently avoided Northland Events Centre for the majority of play drizzled down adding another challenging element to the match.
Close to the eighty minute mark, Myanmar upped the ante and so did the crowd.
Continuing to probe the tiring USA defence, the decibel level rose as Myanmar picked up the tempo of their attacking effort.
But it was too little, too late for Myanmar.
Everyone loves an underdog and in the context of this match, the football fans of minnow host city Whangarei walked away with a full belly of top-notch footy.
The football frenzy continues June 2 when Myanmar take on Ukraine, 1pm at Northland Events Centre.