USA: Players and coaches complain about Copa América organization. "It's frustrating"

26.06.2024 18:00 source: StadiumDB.com; author: Paulina Skóra

A few days ago, top-tier soccer arrived in the United States, but one aspect is causing significant concern – the turf. "Catastrophic," "frustrating" - these are just some of the terms used to describe the pitches at the stadiums hosting the Copa América 2024 tournament.

Not an isolated incident

After Argentina's 2-0 victory over Canada at the Mercedes-Benz Stadium, the pitch received harsh criticism from both the players and Albicelestes’ coach, Lionel Scaloni. He stated that it affected his team's tactics because the players couldn't pass the way they wanted to. Scaloni repeatedly emphasized that the grass was laid just four days before the match, following Atlanta United's Saturday game against Houston in the MLS.

The next day, after a goalless draw between Chile and Peru, the managers of both teams also criticized the condition of the turf at AT&T Stadium. Peru's coach, Jorge Fossati, even cited it as a possible cause of his captain Luis Advincula's Achilles tendon pain.

Lack of atmosphere?

In contrast, after the second match held in Arlington, opinions about the turf preparation were entirely different. The work done received praise from the USA team. In March, complaints were made by the head coach after a game at the same venue, but following Sunday’s victory over Bolivia, the comments were very different. Much better conditions, and you can see that you can play higher quality soccer. The ball doesn't bounce everywhere. They did a good job, said midfielder Weston McKennie. However, just a few days earlier in an interview with The Athletic, he had a completely different opinion and supported the complaints of the Argentine team.

McKennie also pointed out another aspect – attendance at the stadiums. It's frustrating, especially for us. Whenever you come to America, you play in a stadium that can hold 70,000 people, but only 25,000 show up. There's really no atmosphere. And then you play on a pitch with uneven grass that ruins every step you take. It's frustrating, he concluded.

Learn more about the stadiums and the Copa América 2024 tournament on our tournament page.