A team huddle for the New Zealand side during training. Photo / Glenn Jeffrey
It is the world's most popular sport, and in New Zealand 30,000 women play it. Tonight, 11 of the best will take to the field, kicking off soccer's first Under-17 Women's World Cup.
Teams from world soccer heavyweights Germany, Brazil and England, as well as the much-fancied United
States side, are in the 16-team tournament.
In tonight's opening game, the Young Ferns take on Canada.
The game will follow the opening ceremony at 6.30 at North Harbour Stadium.
Organisers are hoping for a successful tournament for the home nation - and also for a chance to show Auckland's charms to the world.
The chief executive of the organising committee, Chris Simpson, said the Under-20 Women's World Cup in Russia two years ago was watched by about 125 million people in 125 countries.
"This tournament will be on in 155 countries, so we think it's realistic to expect a larger audience than Russia."
Mr Simpson said the global television audience would also watch a two-minute video of each host city - Auckland, Wellington, Christchurch and Hamilton - which had been sent to every television station with broadcast rights.
"The opportunities that presents New Zealand is huge," he said.
The tournament has even attracted Sepp Blatter, president of the sport's world governing body Fifa, who is to arrive in Auckland on November 13.
Mr Simpson said Mr Blatter's presence showed how significant the tournament was.
"Fifa have placed a lot of emphasis on the female game, and with this being the inaugural event, they want it to be a great success."
Mr Simpson said about 1200 volunteers would help to ensure the tournament ran smoothly.
The only thing left was to enjoy some quality football.
"We're on the starting line now, and ready for action."
