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Criticism of Playing Surface at Mercedes-Benz Stadium by Argentina and Canada Following Copa America Opener
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    Criticism of Playing Surface at Mercedes-Benz Stadium by Argentina and Canada Following Copa America Opener

    ATLANTA — After Argentina beat Canada 2-0 in Thursday night’s Copa America opener, the teams criticized the playing surface at Mercedes-Benz Stadium.

    “The field was a disaster,” Argentina goalkeeper Emiliano Martínez said. “It seems like a springboard with the ball jumping. They need to improve this. If not, Copa America will always be at lower level than the Euro.”

    Grass was installed after a Major League Soccer game Saturday was played on the usual artificial turf at the stadium.

    “Thank goodness we won. Otherwise it would have been a cheap excuse,” Argentina coach Lionel Scaloni said. “They knew seven months ago that we will be playing here and they changed the surface a few days ago. It’s not an excuse, but this wasn’t a good field. Sincerely, the field is not apt for these players.”

    The stadium will host eight games during the 2026 World Cup, including a semifinal.

    “It felt like walking on a stage, as if it was hollow,” Canadian defender Kamal Miller said.

    A crowd of 70,564 attended the opener of the 32-game tournament. The United States plays Panama at the stadium on June 27.

    At Hard Rock Stadium in Miami Gardens, Florida, a concert is scheduled for July 6, between the last group stage game and the July 14 final, and a new grass surface will be installed.

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    The playing surface at Mercedes-Benz Stadium has come under fire from both Argentina and Canada following their Copa America opener. The teams have criticized the turf for being too slippery and causing players to lose their footing during the match.

    Argentina’s head coach, Lionel Scaloni, expressed his frustration with the playing surface, stating that it made it difficult for his players to control the ball and maintain their balance. He also noted that several players slipped and fell during the game, which affected their performance.

    Canada’s head coach, John Herdman, echoed similar sentiments, pointing out that the turf at Mercedes-Benz Stadium was not up to the standard expected for a major international tournament like the Copa America. He emphasized the importance of having a safe and reliable playing surface for players to compete at their best.

    The criticism of the playing surface at Mercedes-Benz Stadium raises concerns about the impact it could have on the quality of play in future matches. Slippery turf can increase the risk of injuries and affect the overall performance of players, leading to a less enjoyable experience for both fans and athletes.

    In response to the criticism, stadium officials have stated that they are working to address the issue and improve the playing surface for upcoming matches. They have assured teams and fans that they are committed to providing a safe and high-quality environment for all participants in the Copa America.

    Overall, the criticism of the playing surface at Mercedes-Benz Stadium serves as a reminder of the importance of maintaining top-notch facilities for international sporting events. It highlights the need for proper maintenance and oversight to ensure that players can perform at their best and fans can enjoy a safe and exciting competition.