Pitch battles

It’s not just referees who are being criticised at the World Cup as the green, green grass of German pitches is not to everyone’s liking, James Whelan reports.

AFTER workers laid new grass before the start of the 2006 World Cup at a cost of over €1.5 million, Peter Schliesser, head of stadiums for the tournament, pronounced the fields “gorgeous”.

Three weeks into the tournament, players and coaches disagree. The French and Dutch teams complained that the grass is too rough for accurate passing, and dry patches have appeared at most of the 12 stadiums used in the tournament.