The stage is set for the FIFA Club World Cup, but the playing surface at MetLife Stadium has come under fire from teams competing in the tournament. FC Porto and Palmeiras, who played out a goalless draw on Sunday, were among those to voice their dissatisfaction with the state of the pitch.
Players and coaches from both teams agreed that the field was not up to par, with Palmeiras player Estêvão suggesting that the grass should have been watered more. This, he believed, would have allowed the ball to move more freely and improved the overall pace of the game.
Abel Ferreira, the Portuguese coach of Palmeiras, shared similar concerns, stating that the dry terrain made it difficult for his team to impose their style of play. It wasn’t until rain fell during the match that they were able to gain the upper hand.
FC Porto’s Zé Pedro and coach Martín Anselmi also felt that the pitch could have been better, citing its impact on their team’s performance. The uneven terrain, Anselmi noted, led to imprecision, particularly when trying to accelerate the game.
MetLife Stadium’s Turf Issues
The MetLife Stadium, home to NFL teams the New York Giants and New York Jets, normally uses artificial turf for American football games. However, for the FIFA Club World Cup, the decision was made to use natural grass, suitable for hot climates.
The recent drop in temperature, with highs of only 15 degrees Celsius over the weekend, may have contributed to the poor state of the pitch, according to The Athletic.
Looking ahead, the MetLife Stadium is set to host another match on Tuesday, with Fluminense taking on Dortmund in Group F. The condition of the pitch will be closely watched, given the concerns raised by teams so far.
Upcoming Matches
- Fluminense vs. Dortmund – Tuesday, Group F
- Other fixtures to be played at MetLife Stadium, including semi-finals and the final
Note: All FIFA Club World Cup matches are available to stream live on the DAZN app.