MetLife pitch improved but still tricky before France v Sweden | OneFootball

The MetLife Stadium pitch has improved ahead of France’s round of 32 meeting with Sweden on Tuesday, though it is still short of ideal.

According to L'Équipe, the turf remains hard and the ball still bounces too much, but its condition has improved after grounds staff were mobilised following heavy criticism.

France encountered a poor surface in their opener against Senegal on 16 June, a 3-1 win. They should not expect a pristine pitch in New Jersey at 23:00.

England and Panama were the last to play there on Saturday, a 2-0 match, and seemed able to play their football. From higher up the pitch looked cleaner, with fewer bare patches. In the mixed zone nobody complained, and Jude Bellingham, who spoke at length, raised no issues.

The greater concern could be the weather, with temperatures above 30C and heavy air at kick-off on the eve of a fierce heatwave. That should affect even more any potential last-16 tie for France in Philadelphia on Saturday 4 July at 23:00, with 40C expected on Thursday and Friday.

Source: L'Équipe