Myanmar's first World Cup finals

By The Myanmar Times   |   Monday, 25 May 2015

A total of 52 matches will be played across seven host cities for the 20th edition of the FIFA U20 World Cup with the final being staged in Auckland on June 20.

Wellington Regional Stadium, where the Myanmar U20's will face off against host New Zealand on June 5. Photo: Facebook / Westpac Stadium
With 24 teams contesting these finals, to reach the knockout phase and the Round of 16, teams will either need to place in the top two of their group or be one of the four best third-placed teams. Those final four teams will be determined first by points, then goal difference and finally goals scored from the group stage. If a tie remains then lots will be drawn to determine who will advance.
Holders of the trophy, France, failed to qualify for this year’s tournament, the fourth consecutive title-holder that has failed to reach the subsequent edition.
Of the 504 players involved in squads at this year’s FIFA U20 World Cup 100 players, about 20 percent play in leagues based in countries other than their home nation. Myanmar is one of only four teams that feature no players that ply their trade outside of their own domestic leagues. They are joined in this distinction by fellow Group A contestants Ukraine as well as Uzbekistan and North Korea.
The Kiwi side Wanderers FC and the Uzbek’s Bunyodkor are the club sides who have sent the most representatives to the finals. Nine of their players each will strive for World Cup glory. They are closely followed by Myanmar’s Yangon United, who have seven representatives in New Zealand.
Group A Schedule 
May 30 New Zealand v. Ukraine - 1pm (local) / 7:30am (MMT)
United States v. Myanmar - 4pm (local) / 10:30am (MMT)
June 2
Myanmar v. Ukraine - 1pm (local) / 7:30am (MMT)
New Zealand v. United States - 7pm (local) / 1:30pm (MMT)
June 5
Myanmar v. New Zealand - 7pm (local) / 1:30pm (MMT)
Ukraine v. United States - 7pm (local) / 1:30pm (MMT)

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