Fifa countdown begins at Baldwin St

32 footballs — one for each country playing — are released down Baldwin St to mark 100 days to go before the Fifa Women’s World Cup begins. PHOTO: GREGOR RICHARDSON

To kick off the countdown, the Dunedin City Council events team organised a race down Baldwin St, using footballs instead of Cadbury Jaffas.

The 32 balls represented each of the 32 countries participating in the world cup and the objective was to see which ball could reach world cup mascot Tazuni — standing in the goal at the bottom of the street — first.

Italy took the title.

It was fantastic to witness some of the game’s future stars here in Dunedin, creating their own memories and seizing opportunities.

There are still ways for individuals to get involved in the game, whether by joining a local club, attending ‘‘give it a go’’ days, or volunteering.

Please get in touch and we can provide you with the necessary information.

Dunedin Mayor Jules Radich stands beside Fifa Women’s World Cup 2023 mascot Tazuni and young players Dunedin footballers (from left) Amelia Smith (12), Alice Ussher (11), Izabella Christofoletti (12), Ava Couling (12) and Sophie Devereux (13) during the 100-day countdown at Baldwin St. PHOTO: SUPPLIED

To purchase tickets, jump online now: fifa.com/fifaplus/en/tournaments/womens/womensworldcup/australia-new-zealand2023/tickets