Russian WCup stadium finally gets its grass
Qatar wants talks on logistics
MOSCOW, Russia, April 14, (Agencies): Russia’s perpetually late World Cup stadium in Samara had some good news to report exactly two months before kickoff: it is finally getting its grass.
Twelve gleaming white lorries filled with rolls of the precious pitch arrived Saturday in the Volga River city from Germany.
Photographs proudly tweeted by the regional administration also showed nine construction crane-type objects identified as “artificial suns” stationed outside the stadium.
They will be suspended a few feet above the pitch once the grass is rolled out and start shining as much light as possible so that everything sticks in place.
“The nine ‘artificial suns’ will warm up the grass so that it gets accustomed to Samara’s soil as quickly as possible,” the administration said.
Meanwhile, Qatar wants talks with FIFA to discuss the logistics of increasing the 2022 World Cup to 48 teams.
FIFA President Gianni Infantino said on Thursday he was receptive to a request from South American football nations to fast-track the jump from 32 to 48 teams at World Cups by four years.
In its first statement since the announcement, Qatar’s World Cup organizing committee told The Associated Press on Saturday that “before any decision is taken it is important that discussions are held on the operations and logistics of an increase in size of the tournament in Qatar.”
The number of games could rise from 64 to 80.
Qatar World Cup organizers say “regardless of the outcome, we are confident in our ability to deliver a successful World Cup in 2022.”
Also: BUENOS AIRES:
The 10 countries of the South American Football Confederation (CONMEBOL) officially gave their backing Friday for the joint bid from the United States, Mexico and Canada for the 2026 World Cup.
The CONMEBOL board announced in a statement that they had taken the decision “unanimously” to support the North American candidacy for the tournament.
“The countries of America, we have numerous historical links and we have a conviction: South American football can and must contribute to the development of football in the American hemisphere, acknowledging that the sport is a powerful integrating force,” said CONMEBOL president Alejandro Dominguez.
The North American joint bid is competing against Morocco for the right to host the 2026 World Cup, which is set to feature 48 teams. Watford’s Etienne Capoue (left), competes with Huddersfield Town’s Aaron Mooy for the ball during the English Premier League soccer match between Huddersfield Town and Watford at the John Smith’s Stadium, Huddersfield,
England, on April 14. (AP) and into the far corner from WardProwse’s free-kick on the hour mark.
Conte swiftly responded by hauling off the disappointing Alvaro Morata and Davide Zappacosta for Pedro Rodriguez and Giroud.
And Giroud showed what he is capable of with a brave near post header from Alonso’s pinpoint cross to get Chelsea back in the game and spark an incredible fightback 20 minutes from time.
Five minutes later Hazard levelled by smashing home Willian’s cross from close range.
With Southampton reeling, Giroud then completed Chelsea’s comeback when he pounced on a loose ball inside the area to drive into the bottom corner.
Meanwhile, Mohamed Salah took his tally for a remarkable debut season at Liverpool to 40 goals as Jurgen Klopp’s men suffered no after effects from their efforts in reaching the Champions League semi-finals in midweek with a routine 3-0 win over Bournemouth.
Victory edges Liverpool ever closer to securing a return to the Champions League next season as they closed to within one point of Manchester United in second and re-established their 10-point lead over fifth-placed Chelsea.
Klopp showed his intent from the off at Anfield by making just one change from the side that beat City 2-1 at the Etihad in midweek as captain Jordan Henderson returned from suspension.
And he was rewarded with a characteristic fast start as Sadio Mane swept home his 19th goal of the season after Asmir Begovic spilled his first attempt.
Liverpool were rampant in the first 45 minutes but failed to add to their advantage with Salah surprisingly profligate in front of goal.
However, on the day he was nominated for the PFA Player of the Year award, the Egyptian made amends in style to seal the three points 21 minutes from time when he looped a header over Begovic from Trent Alexander-Arnold’s cross.
Roberto Firmino then rounded off a perfect afternoon for Liverpool’s prolific front three by drilling low past Begovic for a third in stoppage time.