Japan flags pitch problems at Tigres facility
Japan's national team has complained about the state of the training pitches at Tigres' facilities in Monterrey, where they are preparing for the World Cup. The Japanese federation flagged the issue publicly, saying the surface is not up to the standard required ahead of their opening matches. (1) (2) (3)
Pedro Esquivel, who is both involved with Tigres and responsible for Monterrey's host city organizing committee, acknowledged the problem: "It's not a simple matter. We're talking with people in Japan to find the best way to support them. Besides being involved with the club, I'm also responsible for the host city organizing committee in Monterrey, and we're exploring ways to help them." (1) (4)
The situation is awkward for Tigres, whose training complex was supposed to be part of Monterrey's World Cup infrastructure showcase. Japan faces the Netherlands in their first group match, and the pitch concerns have forced last-minute scrambling with less than a week to go. (2) (3) (4)
