Brilliant performances by players sells game to Kiwis

Hungary's Bence Mervo scores one of his three goals in his side's win over North Korea in their U-20 FIFA World Cup clash in New Plymouth. Photo / Getty Images

Under-20 Fifa World Cup organisers will be grinning from ear to ear this morning. They talked a big game before the tournament - with marketing campaigns that stretched on for months, slogans, mascots, trophy tours and all kinds of publicity stunts - to convince Kiwis to come and see the footballing stars of the future.

Now, in the space of just three days, the players have done the best possible selling job.

The home side's credible opening result - a New Zealand goal would have capped it off - kicked the tournament off in the right way and since then there has been plenty of entertaining, impressive football.

Organisers needed a good early match in each venue to spark the event and mostly got their wish.

Myanmar's unlikely heroics (and goal celebration) were well-received in Whangarei, while Hamilton football fans had plenty to enjoy from their star-studded group on Sunday.

Even typical Wellington weather couldn't dampen the action in the capital; some great goals from Argentina and Panama, followed by last-minute penalty drama for Ghana against Austria.

The Honduras vs Uzbekistan clash was a sleeper hit in Christchurch yesterday, with some brilliant free kicks from the Central American team. Hungary's Bence Mervo's third goal yesterday will also make highlight reels while Brazil's clash with Nigeria was an instant classic.

Who knew that Nigeria could play like the 1982 version of Brazil, and for long periods of the first half they outplayed their famed rivals with pace, precision and power? But unfortunately for the Africans, their goalkeeper also brought to mind the hapless Waldir Peres, who was the weak link in Tele Santana's team in Spain.

But the action was superb, some of the most compelling football seen on these shores since Brazil faced Ghana in the Under-17 World Cup in 1999. It might even provoke a few football converts in Taranaki, which is usually a rugby bastion.