'Four quality teams' for city

Matthew Holdridge, Chairman Football South
Matthew Holdridge, Chairman Football South
Dunedin may have missed out on the next Lionel Messi, but the next Hugo Sanchez or Luis Suarez could be on show when Mexico and Uruguay play in the city during the Fifa under-20 World Cup in May-June.

As well as Mexico and Uruguay, Serbia and an African qualifier are in group D and will play in Dunedin.

The African qualifier, the second-placed team from the African championships, will not be known until March 22.

The draw for the tournament, from May 30 to June 20, was held in Auckland last night.

Dunedin will also host group C's Portugal and Colombia game, and a round-of-16 match.

Football South chairman Matthew Holdridge told the Otago Daily Times from Auckland that he was ''absolutely delighted'' with Dunedin's draw.

''You have got four quality teams and a crossover match with Colombia and Portugal as well.

''None of these teams are coming on holiday. Mexico are really focused on winning the tournament and will be trying to qualify top of the group.

''I'm really hoping everyone gets behind the event now we know the teams and gets along to the stadium and watches some world-class football.''

Colombian star James Rodriguez, who starred in last year's Fifa World Cup in Brazil, and Uruguayan sensation Suarez, have featured in the tournament in the past.

Dunedin Mayor Dave Cull last night said the announcement of the teams to play in Dunedin ''will spark football fever in the city''.

He said the managers of the teams playing in Dunedin were touring the stadium tomorrow.

The tournament will be broadcast live to more than 170 million people in 100 countries.

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