The pitch at Meta Life Stadium in New Jersey, where the Club World Cup final was held, was criticized after Porto and Palmeiras drew 0-0 in the first round of the group stage.
Brazilian winger Estevao said:
I think the pitch should be a little more silted because the ball was flying a little slow, which affected the pace of the game. It was necessary for us and Porto. During the match, it rained, which made the ball roll a little faster.
Palmeiras coach Abel Ferreira added:
At first, the pitch was dry. I don’t know who the patron saint of rain is, but after the rain, we were able to play our game.
Direction “Port” Martin Anselmi He also believes the pitch affected the quality of the game:
I really think the pitch made us a little inaccurate. Especially when we wanted to speed up the game. There were a few mistakes (as a result), but the grass for both teams is the same. We had to adapt.
The stadium is usually divided between two NFL clubs, and both teams play on synthetic turf. However, according to the rules FIFA Club Matches World Cup They must take place on natural grass.
