World Cup begins with clouds over Manaus and Sao Paulo

World Cup whispers: England concerns over pitch as untested Itaquerao hosts Brazil opener

Manaus pitch Arena Amazonia

MANAUS PITCH HITCH

The man responsible for the state of the Manaus pitch, where England play Italy on Saturday, has admitted it's not looking good ahead of the big game. Carlos Botella, head groundsman for the Royal Verd company who have overseen the laying of the turf at Manaus and six other World Cup stadiums admitted: "Frankly, Manaus is in bad shape... I don't think it'll be in good condition by the weekend." England will send a member of their backroom staff to inspect the stadium and make a report on the pitch when they arrive in Manaus later today. The Arena Amazonia, which holds 39,118 people, was constructed last year at an estimated cost of around £173m.

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