Turf At World Cup Final Stadium Already Sparks Controversy

  NEW YORK, June 22 (Bernama-dpa) -- The turf at the stadium that will World Cup final on July 19 is already sparking debate after just a few games and there's been question whether the arena in East Rutherford was the most appropriate choice for the big match, reported German news agency dpa.

It feels more like artificial turf, said French midfielder Adrien Rabiot, while several other players and coaches noted that the surface is particularly hard. 

FIFA told dpa that the playing fields at all 16 World Cup stadiums are "in excellent condition, both in terms of playability and player safety."

Research and tests have been conducted for more than five years in collaboration with leading turf experts and stadium operators.

Brazil star forward Vinícius Júnior has already expressed concerns after the first of a total of eight World Cup matches in East Rutherford, just outside of New York. 

The field was difficult to play on, the Real Madrid striker reported after the 1-1 draw against Morocco on June 13. The heat was causing the turf to dry out quickly, slowing down the game, he said.

If it rains, however, the game could become very fast, speculated Norway coach Stale Solbakken ahead of Monday's match against Senegal. He explained that the pitch is different from others and it is very hard. 

France coach, Didier Deschamps, meanwhile, noted that the ball bounces in a unique way on this field.

During France's 3-1 victory over Senegal, the second match played at the East Rutherford stadium, the field appeared patchy in several places when viewed from a distance. 

But FIFA said: "Visual differences on some playing surfaces, whether on television or in person, do not necessarily reflect the quality, condition, or playability of the turf."

--BERNAMA-dpa