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SportsGary Neville and Ian Wright criticize World Cup final organization and pitch quality
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In the World Cup final where Spain defeated Argentina 1-0, former Manchester United defender Gary Neville criticized FIFA for delaying the kickoff by six minutes due to a lengthy closing ceremony and halftime performance. Speaking on the 'Stick to Football' program, Neville stated that delaying the kickoff is unforgivable, noting that even the English second division fines teams for such delays, and that FIFA had four years to prepare. Additionally, former Arsenal striker Ian Wright condemned the pitch condition at MetLife Stadium as terrible and unworthy of a World Cup final. The match's organization and field quality have drawn widespread criticism.
Source report
Hupu Football News | July 21st
In the recently concluded World Cup final, Spain defeated Argentina 1-0 to claim the title. However, the match's lengthy halftime performance and pre-match ceremonies have drawn widespread criticism.
Kickoff Delay Draws Ire
Before kickoff, FIFA arranged an extended closing ceremony, and the subsequent cleanup of stage equipment and match preparations caused unavoidable delays, pushing the kickoff back by six minutes.
Speaking on the Stick to Football program, former Manchester United defender Gary Neville shared his views on FIFA's match organization:
"I don't mind the grand performances themselves, but with extra time and the halftime show, the day was just too long. Delaying the kickoff is unforgivable, isn't it? In the English second division, any delay in kickoff results in a fine. The World Cup final must never be delayed; they had four whole years to prepare for this event."
Pitch Quality Questioned
Former Arsenal striker Ian Wright also criticized the playing surface at MetLife Stadium:
"The field conditions were terrible. For the level of the players competing, such a pitch is simply unworthy. A World Cup final being played on such poor turf? That's absurd."
Source: UK Metro
Source
虎扑 - 足球Neutral / independent
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Neville and Ian Wright Criticize World Cup Final Organization and Pitch Quality