Travel and pitch: Philadelphia set to be easier than New York for Les Bleus | OneFootball

France will delay their arrival in Philadelphia until the eve of Monday’s 23.00 kick-off against Iraq, seeking smoother logistics and a better-looking pitch than they encountered in New York.

L'Équipe reports that the squad will leave Boston on Sunday for a city-centre Sofitel, having previously been placed in New Jersey before the 3-1 win over Senegal last Tuesday.

Deeming the four-star hotel not ideal for extended preparation, they have binned the usual J-2 arrival recommended by FIFA. They plan to fly in late, face Iraq, then depart promptly.

On Saturday only French security staff were spotted in a busy lobby as fans watched World Cup matches. A DJ near the counter played Manau’s 1998 hit La tribu de Dana, and is expected to be on duty when the team check in.

Staff at the hotel said it is not a privatised basecamp, so players would share spaces with regular guests. Brazil stayed there for their 3-0 win over Haiti on Friday and were said to have no complaints.

Distances are minimal. The airport is around 15 minutes from the hotel, which is roughly 20 minutes without escort from Lincoln Financial Field. Sunday’s press conference is at the stadium, with training at the nearby University of Pennsylvania.

Didier Deschamps should not need to shield starters from the media this time, unlike in New York when N’Golo Kanté fronted up amid player displeasure with the MetLife pitch. Lincoln Financial Field, an open NFL venue, was relaid in May and has drawn few complaints. Brazil, with Vinicius, beat Haiti 3-0 there on Friday, and the visit should be agreeable even if sightseeing time is limited.

Source: L'Équipe